TW201901342A - Foldable electro-optic display including digital and touch sensing - Google Patents

Foldable electro-optic display including digital and touch sensing Download PDF

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TW201901342A
TW201901342A TW107116932A TW107116932A TW201901342A TW 201901342 A TW201901342 A TW 201901342A TW 107116932 A TW107116932 A TW 107116932A TW 107116932 A TW107116932 A TW 107116932A TW 201901342 A TW201901342 A TW 201901342A
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flexible
display
display device
image display
electro
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TW107116932A
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TWI682261B (en
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中澤健二
橋本圭介
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美商電子墨水股份有限公司
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/165—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on translational movement of particles in a fluid under the influence of an applied field
    • G02F1/166—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on translational movement of particles in a fluid under the influence of an applied field characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect
    • G02F1/167—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on translational movement of particles in a fluid under the influence of an applied field characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect by electrophoresis
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05D—HINGES OR SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS
    • E05D3/00—Hinges with pins
    • E05D3/06—Hinges with pins with two or more pins
    • E05D3/12—Hinges with pins with two or more pins with two parallel pins and one arm
    • E05D3/122—Gear hinges
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    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
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    • G02F1/165—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on translational movement of particles in a fluid under the influence of an applied field
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    • G06F1/1601—Constructional details related to the housing of computer displays, e.g. of CRT monitors, of flat displays
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    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1615—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with several enclosures having relative motions, each enclosure supporting at least one I/O or computing function
    • G06F1/1616—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with several enclosures having relative motions, each enclosure supporting at least one I/O or computing function with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
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    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1626—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
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    • G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
    • G06F1/1637—Details related to the display arrangement, including those related to the mounting of the display in the housing
    • G06F1/1641—Details related to the display arrangement, including those related to the mounting of the display in the housing the display being formed by a plurality of foldable display components
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
    • G06F1/1637—Details related to the display arrangement, including those related to the mounting of the display in the housing
    • G06F1/1643—Details related to the display arrangement, including those related to the mounting of the display in the housing the display being associated to a digitizer, e.g. laptops that can be used as penpads
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    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
    • G06F1/1637—Details related to the display arrangement, including those related to the mounting of the display in the housing
    • G06F1/1652—Details related to the display arrangement, including those related to the mounting of the display in the housing the display being flexible, e.g. mimicking a sheet of paper, or rollable
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    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
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    • G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
    • G06F1/1675—Miscellaneous details related to the relative movement between the different enclosures or enclosure parts
    • G06F1/1681—Details related solely to hinges
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    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/041—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
    • G06F3/042—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by opto-electronic means
    • G—PHYSICS
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    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
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    • G06F3/042—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by opto-electronic means
    • G06F3/0421—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by opto-electronic means by interrupting or reflecting a light beam, e.g. optical touch-screen
    • E05Y2999/00—
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/165—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on translational movement of particles in a fluid under the influence of an applied field
    • G02F1/1675—Constructional details
    • G02F1/1677—Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. reflectors or illuminating devices
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    • G06F2203/041—Indexing scheme relating to G06F3/041 - G06F3/045
    • G06F2203/04102—Flexible digitiser, i.e. constructional details for allowing the whole digitising part of a device to be flexed or rolled like a sheet of paper
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    • G06F3/0354—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
    • G06F3/03545—Pens or stylus

Abstract

An electro-optic display that is flexible and may be folded in a book-like fashion. The display apparatus may include a flexible display and a bending mechanism for accommodating the flexible display in a closed state. Portions of the flexible electro-optic display can be coupled to regions of the planar support members so that when the display is in an open state, the display lays flat and smooth. In advanced embodiments, the electro-optic display may include touch sensing or a digitizing layer to record interactions with a stylus.

Description

包含數位化及觸控感測的可折疊電光顯示器    Foldable electro-optic display including digitization and touch sensing   

本申請案主張2017年5月19日所申請之美國臨時申請案第62/508,502號及2018年1月7日所申請之美國臨時申請案第62/614,487號的優先權。將優先權申請案以及在此所列出之其他專利及申請案其全部內容以參照的方式併入本文。 This application claims priority from US Provisional Application No. 62 / 508,502 filed on May 19, 2017 and US Provisional Application No. 62 / 614,487 filed on January 7, 2018. The entire contents of the priority applications and other patents and applications listed herein are incorporated herein by reference.

本發明係有關於反射式電光顯示裝置及用於這樣的顯示器之材料。更具體地，本發明係有關於可以以像書本方式折疊的可撓曲電光顯示器。在一些實施例中，可折疊裝置感測觸摸。在一些實施例中，可折疊裝置可以追蹤用於在裝置上書寫的觸控筆之位置。 The present invention relates to a reflective electro-optic display device and a material for such a display. More specifically, the present invention relates to a flexible electro-optical display that can be folded like a book. In some embodiments, the foldable device senses a touch. In some embodiments, the foldable device can track the location of a stylus used to write on the device.

本發明係有關於用於電光顯示器之背板及用於這樣的背板之形成之方法。本發明的背板尤其但不排他地意欲用於以粒子為基礎的電泳顯示器，其中，一種以上類型的帶電粒子懸浮在液體中且在電場的影響下移動通過液體，以改變顯示器的呈現。 The present invention relates to a back sheet for an electro-optical display and a method for forming such a back sheet. The backsheet of the present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, intended for use in particle-based electrophoretic displays, where more than one type of charged particle is suspended in a liquid and moved through the liquid under the influence of an electric field to change the presentation of the display.

在一些情況下，可撓曲顯示器可以折疊，以 便可攜帶及/或方便存放。如果顯示器簡單地以像書本方式折疊，則其可能以比設計成用於防止顯示器破損的最小曲率半徑還小的曲率半徑來折疊。為了防止這樣的問題，已經對顯示器的彎曲部分實施各種機構，例如，鉸鍊及/或其他結構。例如，Polymer Vision已揭露一種產品ReadiusTM，其使用一個以上機械鉸鏈機構來促進可撓曲顯示器的折疊。 In some cases, the flexible display can be folded for portability and / or convenient storage. If the display is simply folded in a book-like manner, it may be folded with a radius of curvature that is smaller than the minimum radius of curvature designed to prevent breakage of the display. To prevent such problems, various mechanisms such as hinges and / or other structures have been implemented on the curved portion of the display. For example, Polymer Vision has disclosed a product Readius (TM) that uses more than one mechanical hinge mechanism to facilitate the folding of a flexible display.

在另一實例中，日本專利早期公開第2014-161009號揭露一種可撓曲行動終端裝置，其構造成以各種角度來彎曲。提出終端裝置包括折疊部分，用於將裝置彎曲至終端裝置主體的前表面或後上方位置。安裝在終端裝置主體的上部之可撓曲顯示器可以根據折疊部分的彎曲方向彎曲至前表面或後表面。裝置進一步包括滑動部分，用於使可撓曲顯示器的一端在折疊部分彎曲期間藉由折疊部分與可撓曲顯示器的伸長率之差異所產生的壓縮/張力程度之間的差異滑動。 In another example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2014-161009 discloses a flexible mobile terminal device configured to be bent at various angles. It is proposed that the terminal device includes a folded portion for bending the device to a front surface or a rear upper position of the terminal device body. The flexible display mounted on the upper portion of the terminal device body may be bent to the front surface or the rear surface according to the bending direction of the folded portion. The device further includes a sliding portion for sliding one end of the flexible display during the bending of the folded portion by a difference in the degree of compression / tension generated by the difference in elongation of the folded portion and the flexible display.

上述兩個實例皆導致厚且重的產品。Polymer Vision的ReadiusTM採用結構複雜且形狀龐大的機械鉸鏈機構。日本專利早期公開第2014-161009號的裝置具有波紋管形狀以及滑動部分需要勞力來調整，並且裝置亦是複雜且龐大的。 Both of the above examples result in thick and heavy products. Polymer Vision's Readius TM uses a mechanical hinge with a complex structure and a large shape. The device of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2014-161009 has a bellows shape and the sliding part requires labor to adjust, and the device is also complicated and bulky.

習知技藝的書本式可撓曲電光顯示器之另一個限制是，在重複打開及閉合之後，可撓曲電光顯示器的一部分可能不會呈現平坦的位置。特別地，折疊區域可能變得「有皺紋的」，因而很難以在彎曲的部分上讀 取。在允許可撓曲顯示器「浮動」使得其可以相對於框架移動的其他裝置中，顯示器可能不是完全平坦的，或者更糟糕的是，它可能在使用者正在閱讀時移動。本發明解決許多的這些問題且提供一種可撓曲、薄且重量輕的可折疊電光顯示器，並且可以以像書本方式來折疊。 Another limitation of the conventional book-type flexible electro-optical display is that after repeatedly opening and closing, a part of the flexible electro-optic display may not assume a flat position. In particular, the folded area may become "wrinkled", making it difficult to read on the curved portion. In other devices that allow the flexible display to "float" so that it can move relative to the frame, the display may not be completely flat, or worse, it may move while the user is reading. The present invention solves many of these problems and provides a foldable electro-optical display that is flexible, thin, and lightweight, and can be folded like a book.

本發明提供一種具有可撓曲電光顯示器之影像顯示裝置。該可撓曲電光顯示器可以包括一可彎曲部分，該可彎曲部分係可撓曲的且構造成顯示影像，然而，該可撓曲電光顯示器的部分可能不是可彎曲的。具體地，本申請案的影像顯示裝置包括一種影像顯示裝置，該影像顯示裝置包括一可撓曲電光顯示器，該可撓曲電光顯示器包括兩個平面部分及一可彎曲部分。該可彎曲部分係可撓曲的且能夠顯示影像。每個平面支撐構件包括一固定區域及一未固定區域。該固定區域連接至且支撐該可撓曲電光顯示器的平面部分中之一者，而該未固定區域未連接至該可撓曲電光顯示器。該影像顯示裝置包括一彎曲機構，其包括兩個個別旋轉軸，該兩個旋轉軸平行於由該可撓曲電光顯示器所界定的中心線。該兩個軸中之每一者設置成與該中心線分開有一預定距離，並且該等軸中之每一者界定該等平面支撐構件中之一者的樞軸。每一個樞軸鄰近該平面支撐構件的固定區域與未固定區域之間的邊界。所揭露的設計保護該可撓曲電光顯示器不會過度彎曲(用小的曲率半徑)，因而防止破損。因為該可撓曲電光顯示器的的大部分固定至一平面 支撐構件上，所以整個顯示器在打開狀態中時呈現高平坦度，並且亦穩定地保持打開狀態。 The invention provides an image display device with a flexible electro-optic display. The flexible electro-optical display may include a flexible portion that is flexible and configured to display an image, however, the portion of the flexible electro-optical display may not be flexible. Specifically, the image display device of the present application includes an image display device. The image display device includes a flexible electro-optic display. The flexible electro-optic display includes two planar portions and a flexible portion. The bendable portion is flexible and capable of displaying an image. Each planar support member includes a fixed area and an unfixed area. The fixed area is connected to and supports one of the planar portions of the flexible electro-optic display, and the unfixed area is not connected to the flexible electro-optic display. The image display device includes a bending mechanism including two individual rotation axes that are parallel to a center line defined by the flexible electro-optic display. Each of the two axes is disposed a predetermined distance from the centerline, and each of the axes defines a pivot of one of the planar support members. Each pivot is adjacent to a boundary between a fixed area and an unfixed area of the planar support member. The disclosed design protects the flexible electro-optic display from excessive bending (with a small radius of curvature) and thus prevents breakage. Since most of the flexible electro-optical display is fixed to a flat support member, the entire display exhibits a high flatness when it is in the open state, and also maintains the open state stably.

在一些實施例中，該可撓曲電光顯示器包括一電泳介質，該電泳介質可以任選地膠囊化的且被分配在複數個微單元中。 In some embodiments, the flexible electro-optic display includes an electrophoretic medium, which may be optionally encapsulated and distributed among a plurality of microcells.

在一些實施例中，該可撓曲電光顯示器在該固定區域中例如用黏著劑黏合至該平面支撐構件。在一些實施例中，兩個個別的旋轉軸中之每一者在近端處包括一旋轉齒輪，並且該彎曲機構進一步包括一用於該等旋轉齒輪的同步旋轉之旋轉同步器。該旋轉同步器包括兩個同步齒輪，其中，該等同步齒輪中之每一者與另一同步齒輪及該等旋轉齒輪中之一者嚙合。在一些實施例中，該彎曲機構包括一超過由該兩個平面支撐構件的未固定區域繞著其各自的軸旋轉所掃過的體積之空容積。 In some embodiments, the flexible electro-optical display is bonded to the planar support member in the fixed area, for example with an adhesive. In some embodiments, each of the two individual rotary shafts includes a rotary gear at the proximal end, and the bending mechanism further includes a rotary synchronizer for synchronous rotation of the rotary gears. The rotary synchronizer includes two synchronous gears, wherein each of the synchronous gears meshes with another synchronous gear and one of the rotary gears. In some embodiments, the bending mechanism includes an empty volume that exceeds the volume swept by the unfixed areas of the two planar support members around their respective axes.

在一些實施例中，該等平面支撐構件係大致矩形的。如果長度「l」被定義為該等軸之間的距離，而「R」係用於操作該可撓曲電光顯示器之最小曲率半徑，則「l」與「R」的關係為l>2*R。如果距離「a」被定義為從一軸至一固定區域的最近邊緣之距離，而「R」係用於操作該可撓曲電光顯示器之最小曲率半徑，則「a」與「R」的關係為a>π*R。當然，l與a可能更大，通常是2a>1。 In some embodiments, the planar support members are substantially rectangular. If the length "l" is defined as the distance between the axes, and "R" is the minimum radius of curvature used to operate the flexible electro-optic display, then the relationship between "l" and "R" is l> 2 * R. If the distance "a" is defined as the distance from an axis to the nearest edge of a fixed area, and "R" is the minimum radius of curvature used to operate the flexible electro-optic display, then the relationship between "a" and "R" is a> π * R. Of course, l and a may be larger, usually 2a> 1.

在一些實施例中，該可撓曲電光顯示器包括一包含像素陣列之可撓曲背板。一些可撓曲背板在整個背板上每2.5公分的線性距離將包含至少100個像素。 該等可撓曲背板可以包括由摻雜聚合物所構成的薄膜電晶體。該等可撓曲背板可以包括由導電聚合物或包含導電材料(例如，金屬、奈米顆粒、奈米線、奈米管、石墨或石墨烯)的聚合物所製成的可撓曲跡線。 In some embodiments, the flexible electro-optic display includes a flexible backplane including a pixel array. Some flexible backplanes will contain at least 100 pixels per linear distance of 2.5 cm across the entire backplane. The flexible backplanes may include thin film transistors made of doped polymers. The flexible backsheets may include flexible tracks made of a conductive polymer or a polymer containing a conductive material (e.g., metal, nanoparticle, nanowire, nanotube, graphite, or graphene). line.

在一些實施例中，該可撓曲電光顯示器的一部分構造成倚靠一支撐構件或一數位化層自由地滑動，藉此有助於該裝置的平滑閉合及防止在重複折疊動作之後該可撓曲顯示器的起皺。 In some embodiments, a portion of the flexible electro-optical display is configured to slide freely against a support member or a digitizing layer, thereby facilitating smooth closure of the device and preventing the flexible after repeated folding actions Wrinkles in the monitor.

在一些實施例中，該可折疊顯示裝置包括一數位化層，該數位化層允許追蹤一觸控筆的位置且在該裝置上實現「書寫」。在一些實施例中，該可折疊顯示裝置包括一觸控感測器，該觸控感測器可用以偵測例如使用者之一根手指的存在。當折疊該裝置時，可以藉由在該裝置閉合時使該觸控感測器的位置同步或者藉由使用感測不同波長的光之不同觸控感測器來提供觸控感測。 In some embodiments, the foldable display device includes a digitizing layer that allows tracking the position of a stylus and implementing "writing" on the device. In some embodiments, the foldable display device includes a touch sensor, which can be used to detect, for example, the presence of a finger of a user. When the device is folded, touch sensing can be provided by synchronizing the position of the touch sensor when the device is closed or by using different touch sensors that sense light of different wavelengths.

15‧‧‧區域 15‧‧‧area

21‧‧‧蓋子(脊柱蓋) 21‧‧‧ Cover (Spine Cover)

22‧‧‧旋轉齒輪 22‧‧‧ rotating gear

23‧‧‧旋轉軸 23‧‧‧Rotary shaft

24‧‧‧同步齒輪 24‧‧‧Synchro Gear

31‧‧‧可撓曲電光顯示器 31‧‧‧flexible electro-optic display

32‧‧‧脊柱 32‧‧‧ spine

33‧‧‧平面支撐構件 33‧‧‧Plane support member

34‧‧‧覆蓋物 34‧‧‧ Cover

35‧‧‧覆蓋物 35‧‧‧ Cover

36‧‧‧平面支撐構件 36‧‧‧Plane support member

37‧‧‧邊界 37‧‧‧ border

38‧‧‧邊緣 38‧‧‧ edge

39‧‧‧中心線 39‧‧‧ Centerline

41‧‧‧未固定彎曲部分 41‧‧‧ Unfixed curved part

42‧‧‧未固定彎曲部分 42‧‧‧ Unfixed curved part

43‧‧‧未固定彎曲部分 43‧‧‧ Unfixed curved part

44‧‧‧未固定彎曲部分 44‧‧‧ Unfixed curved part

71‧‧‧前保護板 71‧‧‧ front protection board

72‧‧‧後保護板 72‧‧‧ rear protection board

73‧‧‧可撓曲顯示器 73‧‧‧flexible display

74‧‧‧未固定區域 74‧‧‧ Unfixed area

75‧‧‧黏著層 75‧‧‧ Adhesive layer

76‧‧‧核心板 76‧‧‧Core board

83‧‧‧彎曲區域 83‧‧‧ curved area

87‧‧‧邊界 87‧‧‧ border

88‧‧‧輔助支撐結構 88‧‧‧ auxiliary support structure

100‧‧‧顯示器 100‧‧‧ Display

110‧‧‧層(前電極) 110‧‧‧layer (front electrode)

111‧‧‧逐漸向後彎曲 111‧‧‧ gradually bend backwards

112‧‧‧未固定長度 112‧‧‧unfixed length

113‧‧‧傾斜角 113‧‧‧Tilt angle

114‧‧‧傾斜角 114‧‧‧Tilt angle

115‧‧‧未固定長度 115‧‧‧unfixed length

120‧‧‧層 120‧‧‧ floors

130‧‧‧電泳材料 130‧‧‧ Electrophoretic material

133‧‧‧微膠囊 133‧‧‧ microcapsules

135‧‧‧電泳顏料粒子 135‧‧‧electrophoretic pigment particles

137‧‧‧電泳顏料粒子 137‧‧‧electrophoretic pigment particles

139‧‧‧高分子黏著劑 139‧‧‧Polymer Adhesive

150‧‧‧背板 150‧‧‧ back plate

153‧‧‧驅動電極 153‧‧‧Drive electrode

157‧‧‧基板層 157‧‧‧ substrate layer

210‧‧‧薄膜電晶體 210‧‧‧ thin film transistor

220‧‧‧列電極 220‧‧‧row electrode

230‧‧‧行電極 230‧‧‧row electrode

240‧‧‧掃描驅動器 240‧‧‧scan driver

250‧‧‧資料驅動器 250‧‧‧ Data Drive

1205‧‧‧觸控筆 1205‧‧‧Stylus

1400‧‧‧可撓曲的可寫裝置 1400‧‧‧ flexible writable device

1402‧‧‧可撓曲電泳顯示(EPD)層 1402‧‧‧Flexible Electrophoretic Display (EPD) layer

1403‧‧‧接合數位化層 1403‧‧‧Joint Digitization Layer

1404‧‧‧核心板 1404‧‧‧Core board

1405‧‧‧核心板 1405‧‧‧Core board

1406‧‧‧側條結構 1406‧‧‧Side bar structure

1407‧‧‧潤滑層 1407‧‧‧Lubricating layer

1408‧‧‧第一黏著層 1408‧‧‧first adhesive layer

1409‧‧‧第二黏著層 1409‧‧‧Second Adhesive Layer

1410‧‧‧黏著層 1410‧‧‧Adhesive layer

1600‧‧‧可撓曲的可寫裝置 1600‧‧‧ flexible writable device

1613‧‧‧軸齒輪 1613‧‧‧shaft gear

1614‧‧‧同步齒輪 1614‧‧‧Synchronous Gear

1700‧‧‧可撓曲的可寫裝置 1700‧‧‧ flexible writable device

1717‧‧‧加壓機構 1717‧‧‧Pressure mechanism

1719‧‧‧軸 1719‧‧‧axis

1720‧‧‧軸 1720‧‧‧axis

2000‧‧‧具有觸控感測之可折疊的可寫裝置 2000‧‧‧ Foldable writable device with touch sensing

2002‧‧‧可撓曲顯示層 2002‧‧‧ Flexible display layer

2003‧‧‧感測層 2003‧‧‧sensing layer

2004‧‧‧核心板 2004‧‧‧Core Board

2005‧‧‧核心板 2005‧‧‧Core Board

2007‧‧‧觸控感測單元 2007‧‧‧Touch sensing unit

2007A‧‧‧觸控感測單元 2007A‧‧‧Touch Sensing Unit

2007B‧‧‧觸控感測單元 2007B‧‧‧Touch Sensing Unit

2015‧‧‧光導 2015‧‧‧Light guide

2016‧‧‧光偵測器 2016‧‧‧Light Detector

2017‧‧‧光線 2017‧‧‧ Light

2019‧‧‧發光單元 2019‧‧‧Light-emitting unit

2026‧‧‧角度聯動機構 2026‧‧‧Angle linkage mechanism

2501‧‧‧濾波器 2501‧‧‧Filter

2502‧‧‧濾波器 2502‧‧‧Filter

a‧‧‧軸與邊界之間的距離 a‧‧‧ distance between axis and boundary

h‧‧‧小高度 h‧‧‧ small height

l‧‧‧軸之間的距離 l‧‧‧ distance between axes

R‧‧‧最小曲率半徑 R‧‧‧Minimal curvature radius

θ‧‧‧發射角 θ‧‧‧ launch angle

第1圖係適用於本發明之電泳介質的一般描述；第2圖係適用於本發明之可撓曲薄膜電晶體(TFT)陣列的一般描述；第3A圖顯示處於打開狀態之本發明的一實施例；第3B圖顯示處於閉合狀態之本發明的一實施例； 第4A圖係包括同步齒輪之旋轉同步器及連接至讓平面支撐構件繞著旋轉之軸的旋轉齒輪之詳細視圖；第4B圖係由端蓋覆蓋之旋轉同步器的詳細視圖；第5A圖係顯示彎曲機構的更多細節之影像顯示裝置的一實施例之端視圖；第5B圖係影像顯示裝置的一實施例之上視圖，其顯示兩個軸之間的位移「l」以及可撓曲電泳顯示器未連接至平面支撐構件的未固定區域；第5C圖顯示從影像顯示裝置移除的可撓曲電光顯示器；第5D圖顯示處於打開或平坦狀態的交錯平面支撐構件；第6A圖係顯示平面支撐構件處於全開狀態之影像顯示裝置的一實施例之端視圖；第6B圖係顯示平面支撐構件處於半開狀態之影像顯示裝置的一實施例之端視圖；第6C圖係顯示平面支撐構件處於幾乎閉合(「折疊」)狀態之影像顯示裝置的一實施例之端視圖；第6D圖係顯示平面支撐構件處於完全閉合(「折疊」)狀態之圖像顯示裝置的一實施例之端視圖；第7圖係本發明的一實施例之剖面圖，其顯示該裝置的不同層以及鄰近可撓曲顯示器的彎曲區域之未固定區域； 第8A圖例示可撓曲顯示器的非期望向後彎曲(伸展)；第8B圖例示具有輔助支撐的未固定區域，以減少向後彎曲的可能性；第9A圖例示包括延伸的黏合區域之輔助支撐區域；第9B圖例示為核心板的成形延伸部分之輔助支撐區域；第10A圖例示可撓曲顯示器的非期望向後彎曲(伸展)；第10B圖例示當一些向後彎曲(伸展)例如因厚度限制而不可避免時使用之延伸的低斜率；第11A圖例示用於本發明之裝置的替代黏著層；第11B圖例示用於本發明之裝置的替代黏著層；第12圖例示可折疊的可寫顯示器；第13圖係可折疊的可寫顯示器之分解圖；第14圖係可折疊的可寫顯示器之剖面圖，可折疊的可寫顯示器包含可撓曲顯示層，可撓曲顯示層未固定至其下面的數位化層；第15A圖係剖視圖，其顯示可折疊的可寫顯示器之層；第15B圖係第15A圖的角部之分解圖，其顯示可撓曲顯示層及側條結構的細節，側條結構保持可撓 曲顯示層緊靠著數位化層，同時當裝置在打開與閉合狀態之間移動時，允許它們相對於彼此移動；第16圖詳述同步齒輪，其協調支撐數位化層及可撓曲顯示層的核心板之平滑打開及閉合；第17圖顯示可折疊的可寫顯示器之層的剖面，其包括用於協助折疊的加壓機構；第18圖係可折疊的可寫顯示器之端視圖，其包括加壓機構；第19圖係包括觸控感測之可折疊的可寫顯示器之分解圖；第20圖係包括觸控感測之可折疊的可寫顯示器之剖面，其顯示觸控感測器單元的整合；第21圖例示使用紅外光來感測觸摸位置的觸控感測器之操作；第22A圖顯示使用平行光源的觸控感測之程度；第22B圖顯示使用具有發射角θ的光源之觸控感測的程度；第23圖例示具有隨著裝置的折疊而旋轉之觸控感測器單元的可折疊顯示器中之折疊過程。當折疊裝置時，觸控感測器向上旋轉，以增加可撓曲顯示層的覆蓋範圍；第24圖例示用於感測在可折疊顯示裝置的個別部分上的觸摸之替代設計。 Figure 1 is a general description of an electrophoretic medium suitable for the present invention; Figure 2 is a general description of a flexible thin film transistor (TFT) array suitable for the present invention; Figure 3A shows a first view of the present invention in an open state. Embodiment; FIG. 3B shows an embodiment of the present invention in a closed state; FIG. 4A is a detailed view of a rotation synchronizer including a synchronization gear and a rotation gear connected to an axis that rotates a flat support member around a rotation axis; FIG. 4B Figure 5 is a detailed view of a rotary synchronizer covered by an end cover; Figure 5A is an end view of an embodiment of an image display device showing more details of a bending mechanism; Figure 5B is an embodiment of an image display device View showing the displacement "l" between the two axes and the unfixed area where the flexible electrophoretic display is not connected to the planar support member; Figure 5C shows the flexible electro-optic display removed from the image display device; Figure 5D Figure 6 shows a staggered planar support member in an open or flat state; Figure 6A is an end view showing an embodiment of an image display device with the planar support member in a fully open state; Figure 6B is a display An end view of an embodiment of the image display device with the flat support member in a half-open state; FIG. 6C is an end view of an embodiment of the image display device with the flat support member in an almost closed ("folded") state; Fig. 6D FIG. 7 is an end view of an embodiment of an image display device showing a flat support member in a fully closed (“folded”) state; FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention, showing different layers of the device and adjacent Unfixed area of the bendable area of the flexible display; Figure 8A illustrates the undesired backward bending (stretching) of the flexible display; Figure 8B illustrates the unfixed area with auxiliary support to reduce the possibility of backward bending; Figure 9A illustrates an auxiliary support area including an extended bonding area; Figure 9B illustrates an auxiliary support area of a shaped extension of a core board; Figure 10A illustrates an undesired backward bend (extension) of a flexible display; Figure 10B illustrates Low slope of extension used when some backward bending (stretching) is unavoidable, for example due to thickness restrictions; Figure 11A illustrates an alternative to the device of the present invention Figure 11B illustrates an alternative adhesive layer for a device of the present invention; Figure 12 illustrates a foldable writable display; Figure 13 is an exploded view of a foldable writeable display; Figure 14 is a foldable Sectional view of a writable display. The foldable writable display includes a flexible display layer. The flexible display layer is not fixed to the digitizing layer below it. Figure 15A is a sectional view showing a foldable writable display. Figure 15B is an exploded view of the corner of Figure 15A, which shows the details of the flexible display layer and the side strip structure. The side strip structure keeps the flexible display layer close to the digitizing layer, and at the same time when the device Allows them to move relative to each other when moving between the open and closed states; Figure 16 details the synchronous gear, which coordinates the smooth opening and closing of the core board that supports the digitizing layer and the flexible display layer; Figure 17 shows A cross-section of a layer of a foldable writable display, which includes a pressure mechanism to assist folding; FIG. 18 is an end view of the foldable writable display, which includes a pressure mechanism; and FIG. 19 includes a touch sense Foldable Exploded view of the writing display; Figure 20 is a cross-section of a foldable writable display including touch sensing, which shows the integration of the touch sensor unit; Figure 21 illustrates the use of infrared light to sense the touch of a touched position. Figure 22A shows the degree of touch sensing using a parallel light source; Figure 22B shows the degree of touch sensing using a light source with an emission angle θ; Figure 23 illustrates the Folding process in a foldable display of a folded and rotated touch sensor unit. When the device is folded, the touch sensor is rotated upward to increase the coverage of the flexible display layer; FIG. 24 illustrates an alternative design for sensing a touch on an individual part of the foldable display device.

如上所述，本發明提供一種可撓曲的且可以以像書本方式折疊之電光顯示器。顯示裝置可以包括可撓曲顯示器及用於使可撓曲顯示器處於閉合狀態的彎曲機構。由於彎曲機構的先進設計，可撓曲電光顯示器的部分可以連接至平面支撐構件的區域，使得當顯示器處於打開狀態時，顯示器呈平坦且平滑。 As described above, the present invention provides an electro-optical display that is flexible and can be folded like a book. The display device may include a flexible display and a bending mechanism for putting the flexible display in a closed state. Due to the advanced design of the bending mechanism, the portion of the flexible electro-optic display can be connected to the area of the planar support member, so that when the display is in the open state, the display is flat and smooth.

本發明可以用於各種電光材料，例如，液晶顯示器、發光顯示器(包括OLEDS)及膽固醇型液晶顯示器。本發明非常適合用於E Ink Corporation(Billerica,MA)所開發且在下面列出的專利及專利公開案中所述之類型的電泳介質。膠囊型電泳介質包括許多的小膠囊，膠囊本身之每一者包括在流體介質中含有電泳移動粒子的內相及包圍內相的膠囊壁。通常，膠囊本身保持在高分子黏著劑內，以形成位於兩個電極之間的黏著層(coherent layer)。在微單元電泳顯示器中，帶電粒子及流體沒有封裝在微膠囊內，而是保持在載體介質(通常為聚合膜)中形成的複數個空腔內。這些專利及申請案中所描述的技術包括：(a)電泳粒子、流體及流體添加劑；參見例如美國專利第7,002,728及7,679,814號；(b)膠囊、黏著劑及封裝過程；參見例如美國專利第6,922,276及7,411,719號；(c)微單元結構、壁材及形成微單元的方法；參見例如美國專利第7,072,095及9,279,906號；(d)填充及密封微單元的方法；參見例如美國專利第7,144,942及7,715,088號；(e)包含電光材料的薄膜及次總成；參見例如美國專利第6,982,178及7,839,564號； (f)背板、黏著層及顯示器中使用的其他輔助層及方法；參見例如美國專利第D485,294；6,124,851；6,130,773；6,177,921；6,232,950；6,252,564；6,312,304；6,312,971；6,376,828；6,392,786；6,413,790；6,422,687；6,445,374；6,480,182；6,498,114；6,506,438；6,518,949；6,521,489；6,535,197；6,545,291；6,639,578；6,657,772；6,664,944；6,680,725；6,683,333；6,724,519；6,750,473；6,816,147；6,819,471；6,825,068；6,831,769；6,842,167；6,842,279；6,842,657；6,865,010；6,873,452；6,909,532；6,967,640；6,980,196；7,012,735；7,030,412；7,075,703；7,106,296；7,110,163；7,116,318；7,148,128；7,167,155；7,173,752；7,176,880；7,190,008；7,206,119；7,223,672；7,230,751；7,256,766；7,259,744；7,280,094；7,301,693；7,304,780；7,327,511；7,347,957；7,349,148；7,352,353；7,365,394；7,365,733；7,382,363；7,388,572；7,401,758；7,442,587；7,492,497；7,535,624；7,551,346；7,554,712；7,583,427；7,598,173；7,605,799；7,636,191；7,649,674；7,667,886；7,672,040；7,688,497；7,733,335；7,785,988；7,830,592；7,843,626；7,859,637；7,880,958；7,893,435；7,898,717；7,905,977；7,957,053；7,986,450；8,009,344；8,027,081；8,049,947；8,072,675；8,077,141；8,089,453；8,120,836；8,159,636；8,208,193；8,237,892；8,238,021；8,362,488；8,373,211；8,389,381；8,395,836；8,437,069；8,441,414；8,456,589；8,498,042；8,514,168；8,547,628；8,576,162；8,610,988；8,714,780；8,728,266；8,743,077；8,754,859； 8,797,258；8,797,633；8,797,636；8,830,560；8,891,155；8,969,886；9,147,364；9,025,234；9,025,238；9,030,374；9,140,952；9,152,003；9,152,004；9,201,279；9,223,164；9,285,648號；以及9,310,661號；以及美國專利申請案公開第2002/0060321；2004/0008179；2004/0085619；2004/0105036；2004/0112525；2005/0122306；2005/0122563；2006/0215106；2006/0255322；2007/0052757；2007/0097489；2007/0109219；2008/0061300；2008/0149271；2009/0122389；2009/0315044；2010/0177396；2011/0140744；2011/0187683；2011/0187689；2011/0292319；2013/0250397；2013/0278900；2014/0078024；2014/0139501；2014/0192000；2014/0210701；2014/0300837；2014/0368753；2014/0376164；2015/0171112；2015/0205178；2015/0226986；2015/0227018；2015/0228666；2015/0261057；2015/0356927；2015/0378235；2016/077375；2016/0103380；以及2016/0187759號；以及世界申請案公開第WO 00/38000號；歐洲專利第1,099,207 B1及1,145,072 B1號；(g)顏色形成及顏色調整；參見例如美國專利第7,075,502及7,839,564號；以及(h)用於驅動顯示器的方法；參見例如美國專利第7,012,600及7,453,445號。將在此所列出之所有專利及專利申請案其全部內容以參照方式併入本文。許多上述專利及申請案認識到在膠囊型電泳介質中包圍離散微膠囊的壁可以由 連續相來取代，從而產生所謂的聚合物分散型電泳顯示器，其中，電泳介質包含複數個離散小滴的電泳流體及聚合材料的連續相，並且即使沒有離散的膠囊膜與每一個個別小滴相關聯，在這樣的聚合物分散型電泳顯示器內之離散小滴的電泳流體可以被視為是膠囊或微膠囊；參見例如前述的美國專利第6,866,760號。於是，基於本申請案的目的，這樣的聚合物分散型電泳介質被視為是膠囊型電泳介質的亞種。 The invention can be applied to various electro-optic materials, such as liquid crystal displays, light-emitting displays (including OLEDs), and cholesterol-type liquid crystal displays. The invention is very suitable for use in electrophoretic media of the type developed by E Ink Corporation (Billerica, MA) and described in the patents and patent publications listed below. The capsule-type electrophoretic medium includes many small capsules, and each of the capsules itself includes an internal phase containing electrophoretic mobile particles in a fluid medium and a capsule wall surrounding the internal phase. Generally, the capsule itself is held in a polymer adhesive to form a coherent layer between the two electrodes. In a microcell electrophoretic display, charged particles and fluids are not encapsulated in a microcapsule, but instead are held in a plurality of cavities formed in a carrier medium (usually a polymeric film). Techniques described in these patents and applications include: (a) electrophoretic particles, fluids, and fluid additives; see, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 7,002,728 and 7,679,814; (b) capsules, adhesives, and packaging processes; see, for example, U.S. Patent 6,922,276 And 7,411,719; (c) microcell structures, wall materials, and methods of forming microcells; see, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 7,072,095 and 9,279,906; (d) methods of filling and sealing microcells; see, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 7,144,942 and 7,715,088 (E) films and subassemblies containing electro-optic materials; see, for example, US Patent Nos. 6,982,178 and 7,839,564; (f) backsheets, adhesive layers, and other auxiliary layers and methods used in displays; see, for example, US Patent No. D485, 294; 6,124,851; 6,130,773; 6,177,921; 6,232,950; 6,252,564; 6,312,304; 6,312,971; 6,376,828; 6,392,786; 6,413,790; 6,422,687; 6,445,374; 6 6,724,519; 6,750,473; 6,816,147; 6,819,471; 6,82 5,068; 6,831,769; 6,842,167; 6,842,279; 6,842,657; 6,865,010; 6,873,452; 6,909,532; 6,967,640; 6,980,196; 7,012,735; 7,030,412; 7,075,703; 7,672,7; 206, 7, 756 7,259,744; 7,280,094; 7,301,693; 7,304,780; 7,327,511; 7,347,957; 7,349,148; 7,352,353; 7,365,394; 7,365,733; 7,382,363; 7,388,572; 7,401,758; 7,442,587; 7,492,497; 7,535,624; 7,551,346; 7,554,712; 7,583,427; 7,598,173; 7,605,799; 7,636,191; 7,649,674; 7,667,886; 7,672,040; 7,688,497; 7,733,335; 7,785,988; 7,830,592; 7,843,626; 7,859,637; 7,880,958; 7,893,435; 7,898,717; 7,905,977; 7,957,053; 7,986,450; 8,009,344; 8,027,081; 8,049,947; 8,072,675; 8,077,141; 8,089,453; 8,120,836; 8,159,636; 8,208,193; 8,237,892; 8,238,021; 8,362,488; 8,373,211; 8,389,381; 8,395,836; 8,437,069; 8,441,414; 8,456,589; 8,498,042; 8,514,168; 8,547,628; 8,576,16 2; 8,610,988; 8,714,780; 8,728,266; 8,743,077; 8,754,859; 8,797,258; 8,797,633; 8,797,636; 8,830,560; 8,891,155; 8,969,886; 9,147,364; 9,025,234; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2002/0060321; 2004/0008179; 2004/0085619; 2004/0105036; 2004/0112525; 2005/0122306; 2005/0122563; 2006/0215106; 2006/0255322; 2007/0052757; 2007/0097489; 2007/0109219; 2008/0061300; 2008/0149271; 2009/0122389; 2009/0315044; 2010/0177396; 2011/0140744; 2011/0187683; 2011/0187689; 2011/0292319; 2013/0250397; 2013/0278900; 2014 / 0078024; 2014/0139501; 2014/0192000; 2014/0210701; 2014/0300837; 2014/0368753; 2014/0376164; 2015/0171112; 2015/0205178; 2015/0226986; 2015/0227018; 2015/0228666; 2015/0261057; 2015/0356927; 2015/0378235; 2016/077375; 2016/0103380; and 2016/0187759; and World Application Publication No. WO 00/38000; European Patent No. 1,099,207 B1 and 1,145,072 B1; (g) color formation and color adjustment; see U.S. Patent Nos. 7,075,502 and 7,839,564, for example; and (h) a method for driving a display; see, e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,012,600 and 7,453,445. All patents and patent applications listed herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Many of the aforementioned patents and applications recognize that the walls surrounding discrete microcapsules in a capsule-type electrophoretic medium can be replaced by a continuous phase, resulting in a so-called polymer-dispersed electrophoretic display, in which the electrophoretic medium contains a plurality of discrete droplets of electrophoresis Continuous phases of fluids and polymeric materials, and even if no discrete capsule film is associated with each individual droplet, the discrete droplets of electrophoretic fluid in such a polymer-dispersed electrophoretic display can be considered as capsules or microcapsules ; See, for example, the aforementioned US Patent No. 6,866,760. Therefore, for the purpose of the present application, such a polymer-dispersed electrophoretic medium is regarded as a subspecies of a capsule-type electrophoretic medium.

膠囊型電泳顯示器通常不會受到傳統電泳裝置的群聚及沈降失敗模式的影響，並且提供額外的優點，例如，在各式各種撓性及剛性基板上印刷或塗佈顯示的能力。(字詞「印刷」之使用意欲包括所有形式之印刷及塗佈，其包括但不侷限於：預計量式塗佈(pre-metered coatings)(例如：方塊擠壓式塗佈(patch die coating)、狹縫型或擠壓型塗佈(slot or extrusion coating)、斜板式或級聯式塗佈(slide or cascade coating)及淋幕式塗佈(curtain coating))；滾筒式塗佈(roll coating)(例如：輥襯刮刀塗佈(knife over roll coating及正反滾筒式塗佈(forward and reverse roll coating))；凹版塗佈(gravure coating)；浸塗佈(dip coating)；噴灑式塗佈(spray coating)；彎月形塗佈(meniscus coating)；旋轉塗佈(spin coating)；手刷塗佈(brush coating)；氣刀塗佈(air-knife coating)；絲網印刷製程(silk screen printing processes)；靜電印刷製程(electrostatic printing processes)；熱印刷製程(thermal printing processes)；噴 墨印刷製程(ink jet printing processes)；電泳沉積(electrophoretic deposition)(參見美國專利第7,339,715號)；以及其它相似技術)。因此，結果的顯示器係可撓曲的。再者，因為可(使用各種方法)印刷顯示介質，所以可便宜地製造顯示器本身。 Capsule-type electrophoretic displays are generally not affected by the clustering and sinking failure modes of traditional electrophoretic devices and provide additional advantages, such as the ability to print or coat displays on a variety of flexible and rigid substrates. (The use of the word "printing" is intended to include all forms of printing and coating, including but not limited to: pre-metered coatings (e.g., patch die coating) , Slot or extrusion coating (slot or extrusion coating), slant plate or cascade coating (slide or cascade coating and curtain coating); roll coating ) (For example: knife over roll coating and forward and reverse roll coating); gravure coating; dip coating; spray coating (spray coating); meniscus coating; spin coating; brush coating; air-knife coating; silk screen process (silk screen) printing processes; electrostatic printing processes; thermal printing processes; ink jet printing processes; electrophoretic deposition (see US Patent No. 7,339,715); and others Similar technology). Thus, the result of the flexible display system. Further, as may be (using various methods) printing a display medium, the display itself can be manufactured inexpensively.

雖然本發明主要係有關於上述類型之電泳介質及所列專利及專利申請案，但是本發明中亦可以使用其他類型的電光材料。替代的電光介質本質上通常是反射性的，亦即，它們依賴於環境照明來取代如發射式LCD顯示器中所發現的背光源。替代的電光介質包括像例如在美國專利第5,808,783；5,777,782；5,760,761；6,054,071；6,055,091；6,097,531；6,128,124；6,137,467；及6,147,791號中所述的旋轉雙色構件型介質(rotating bichromal member type media)。這樣的顯示器使用具有兩個或更多部分有不同光學特性的大量小型物體(通常為球形或圓柱形)及一個內偶極。這些物體懸浮於基體內的填充有液體的液泡中，液泡填充有液體，使得物體可以自由旋轉。藉由施加電場，因而使物體旋轉至各種位置及改變物體的哪個部分可經由觀看面被看到來改變該顯示器之呈現。這類型的電光介質通常是雙穩態的。 Although the present invention is mainly related to the above-mentioned types of electrophoretic media and listed patents and patent applications, other types of electro-optical materials can also be used in the present invention. Alternative electro-optic media are generally reflective in nature, that is, they rely on ambient lighting to replace backlights as found in transmissive LCD displays. Alternative electro-optic media include, for example, rotating bichromal member type media as described in U.S. Pat. Such displays use a large number of small objects (usually spherical or cylindrical) with two or more parts having different optical characteristics and an inner dipole. These objects are suspended in a liquid-filled liquid bubble inside the substrate, and the liquid bubble is filled with liquid, so that the object can rotate freely. By applying an electric field, thereby rotating the object to various positions and changing which part of the object can be seen through the viewing surface, the presentation of the display is changed. This type of electro-optic medium is usually bistable.

另一種替代電光顯示介質係電致變色的，例如，奈米變色薄膜之形式的電致變色介質，其包括一個至少部分由半導體金屬氧化物所形成之電極及複數個附著至電極之能夠可逆變色的染料分子；參見例如O'Regan,B.,et al.,Nature 1991,353,737；以及Wood,D., Information Display,18(3),24(March 2002)。亦參見Bach,U.,et at.,Adv.Mater.,2002,14(11),845。這類型的奈米變色薄膜亦被描述於例如美國專利第6,301,038；6,870,657；及6,950,220中。這類型的介質通常亦是雙穩態的。 Another alternative electro-optic display medium is electrochromic, for example, an electrochromic medium in the form of a nanochromic film, which includes an electrode formed at least in part by a semiconductor metal oxide and a plurality of reversible colors attached to the electrode. dye molecules; see, for example, O 'Regan, B., et al , Nature 1991,353,737;. , and Wood, D, Information Display, 18 (3), 24 (March 2002).. See also Bach, U., et at., Adv. Mater., 2002, 14 (11), 845. Nanochromic films of this type are also described in, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 6,301,038; 6,870,657; and 6,950,220. This type of medium is also usually bistable.

另一類型的電光顯示器係由Philips所發展出來的電潤濕顯示器(electro-wetting display)且被描述於Hayes,R.A.,et al.,“Video-Speed Electronic Paper Based on Electrowetting”,Nature,425,383-385(2003)中。美國專利第7,420,549號顯示這樣的電潤濕顯示器可製成雙穩態的。 Another type of electro-optical display is an electro-wetting display developed by Philips and described in Hayes, RA, et al., "Video-Speed Electronic Paper Based on Electrowetting", Nature, 425, 383- 385 (2003). US Patent No. 7,420,549 shows that such an electrowetting display can be made bistable.

在第1圖中顯示示例性電泳顯示器(EPID)。顯示器100通常包括電泳材料層130及配置在電泳材料130之相對側上的至少兩個其他層110及120，這兩個層中之至少一層係電極層，例如，如第1圖中之層110所示。前電極110可以代表顯示器100的觀看側，在這種情況下，前電極110可以是像氧化銦錫(ITO)的透明導體(其在某些情況下可以沉積在像聚對酞酸乙二酯(PET)的透明基板上)。在本發明的可撓曲顯示器中，其他可撓曲導電材料(例如，導電聚合物或具有導電添加劑的聚合物)可用於前電極。如第1圖所例示，這樣的EPID亦包括背板150，其包括複數個驅動電極153及基板層157。電泳材料層130可以包括微膠囊133，其保持電泳顏料粒子135及137以及溶劑，微膠囊133分散在高分子黏著劑139中。但是，可以理解的是，電泳介質(粒子135及137 以及溶劑)可以封裝在微單元(微杯)中或在沒有周圍的微膠囊下分佈在聚合物中(例如，上述PDEPID設計)。通常，顏料粒子137及135以在前電極110與像素電極153之間產生的電場來控制(位移)。在許多傳統EPID中，電驅動波形經由連接至薄膜電晶體(TFT)的導電跡線(未顯示)傳送至像素電極153，薄膜電晶體允許以列行定址方法來定址像素電極。在一些實施例中，前電極110僅接地，並且藉由對可個別定址的像素電極153提供正電位及負電位來驅動影像。在其他實施例中，亦可以將電位施加至前電極110，以在前電極與像素電極153之間可以提供的電場方面提供更大的變化。 An exemplary electrophoretic display (EPID) is shown in FIG. 1. The display 100 generally includes an electrophoretic material layer 130 and at least two other layers 110 and 120 disposed on opposite sides of the electrophoretic material 130. At least one of the two layers is an electrode layer, for example, layer 110 in FIG. 1 As shown. The front electrode 110 may represent the viewing side of the display 100. In this case, the front electrode 110 may be a transparent conductor like indium tin oxide (ITO) (which may be deposited in some cases like polyethylene terephthalate) (PET) on a transparent substrate). In the flexible display of the present invention, other flexible conductive materials (for example, a conductive polymer or a polymer with a conductive additive) may be used for the front electrode. As illustrated in FIG. 1, such an EPID also includes a back plate 150 including a plurality of driving electrodes 153 and a substrate layer 157. The electrophoretic material layer 130 may include microcapsules 133 that hold electrophoretic pigment particles 135 and 137 and a solvent, and the microcapsules 133 are dispersed in a polymer adhesive 139. However, it can be understood that the electrophoretic medium (particles 135 and 137 and the solvent) can be encapsulated in a microcell (microcup) or distributed in a polymer without surrounding microcapsules (for example, the above-mentioned PDEPID design). Generally, the pigment particles 137 and 135 are controlled (displaced) by an electric field generated between the front electrode 110 and the pixel electrode 153. In many conventional EPIDs, an electrically driven waveform is transmitted to the pixel electrode 153 via a conductive trace (not shown) connected to a thin film transistor (TFT). The thin film transistor allows the pixel electrode to be addressed in a column-row addressing method. In some embodiments, the front electrode 110 is only grounded, and the image is driven by providing positive and negative potentials to the individually addressable pixel electrodes 153. In other embodiments, a potential can also be applied to the front electrode 110 to provide a greater change in the electric field that can be provided between the front electrode and the pixel electrode 153.

在許多的實施例中，如第2圖所示，薄膜電晶體陣列形成用於影像驅動的主動矩陣。例如，每一個像素電極(第1圖中的153)連接至薄膜電晶體210，薄膜電晶體210圖案化成陣列且連接至細長列電極220及細長行電極230，其與列電極220成直角延伸。在一些實施例中，像素包括由金屬氧化物製成的電晶體。在一些實施例中，像素包括由摻雜聚合物形成的電晶體。在一些實施例中，一電極層具有單個連續電極的形式，而另一電極層圖案化成像素電極的矩陣，像素電極之每一者界定顯示器的一個像素。如第2圖所示，資料驅動器250連接至行電極230且提供源極電壓至要被定址的列中之所有薄膜電晶體。掃描驅動器240連接至列電極220，以提供將沿著該列的每個薄膜電晶體之閘極打開(或關閉)的偏壓電壓。閘極掃描速率通常約為60-100Hz。使閘 極-源極電壓為正的，以允許源極電壓短接至汲極。使閘極相對於源極為負的，以促使汲極源極電流下降及汲極有效地浮接。因為掃描驅動器以連續方式工作，所以在頂部與底部列電極之間的更新時間中通常存在一些可測量的延遲。可以理解的是，「列」及「行」電極的分配有些是任意的，並且薄膜電晶體陣列可以在列與行電極互換之情況下製造。在一些實施例中，TFT陣列係大致可撓曲的，然而，像個別的像素電晶體或驅動電路的個別組件可能不是可撓曲的。用於個別像素的電壓供應之可撓曲跡線可以由可撓曲材料形成，例如，導電聚合物或摻雜有導電材料(例如，金屬顆粒、奈米顆粒、奈米線、奈米管、石墨及石墨烯)的聚合物。 In many embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the thin film transistor array forms an active matrix for image driving. For example, each pixel electrode (153 in FIG. 1) is connected to a thin film transistor 210, which is patterned into an array and connected to an elongated column electrode 220 and an elongated row electrode 230, which extend at a right angle to the column electrode 220. In some embodiments, the pixel includes a transistor made of a metal oxide. In some embodiments, the pixel includes a transistor formed from a doped polymer. In some embodiments, one electrode layer has the form of a single continuous electrode, while the other electrode layer is patterned into a matrix of pixel electrodes, each of the pixel electrodes defining a pixel of a display. As shown in FIG. 2, the data driver 250 is connected to the row electrode 230 and provides a source voltage to all the thin film transistors in the column to be addressed. The scan driver 240 is connected to the column electrode 220 to provide a bias voltage that turns on (or closes) the gate of each thin film transistor along the column. The gate scan rate is usually about 60-100Hz. Make the gate-source voltage positive to allow the source voltage to be shorted to the drain. Make the gate negative with respect to the source to facilitate the sinking of the drain-source current and the drain to float effectively. Because the scan driver works in a continuous manner, there is usually some measurable delay in the update time between the top and bottom column electrodes. It can be understood that the assignment of the "column" and "row" electrodes is somewhat arbitrary, and the thin film transistor array can be manufactured with the column and row electrodes interchanged. In some embodiments, the TFT array is generally flexible, however, individual components like individual pixel transistors or drive circuits may not be flexible. Flexible traces for the voltage supply of individual pixels may be formed of a flexible material, such as a conductive polymer or doped with a conductive material (e.g., metal particles, nano particles, nano wires, nano tubes, Graphite and graphene).

雖然EPID介質被描述為「黑色/白色」，但是它們通常被驅動至黑色與白色之間的複數個不同狀態，以實現各種色調或「灰階」。此外，可以藉由驅動像素通過從初始灰階至最終灰階(其可能與或可能不是不同於初始灰階)的轉移，可以在第一與第二灰階狀態(其包括白色及黑色的端點)之間驅動給定像素。術語「波形」將用於表示用以實現從一特定初始灰階至一特定最終灰階的轉移之整個電壓相對於時間的曲線。通常，這樣的波形將包括複數個波形成分；其中，這些成分實質上係矩形的(亦即，一個給定的成分包括在一段時間內施加固定的電壓)；這些成分可以稱為「脈衝」或「驅動脈衝」。術語「驅動方法」表示足以實現特定顯示器的灰階之間的所有可能轉移之一組波形。顯示器可以使用超 過一種驅動方法；例如，上述美國專利第7,012,600號教示驅動方法可能需要根據像顯示器的溫度或在其使用壽命期間它已經運轉的時間等參數來進行修改，並且因此顯示器可以具有用於不同溫度等之複數個不同的驅動方法。在這種方式中所使用的一組驅動方法可以稱為「一組相關驅動方法」。也可以在同一個顯示器的不同區域中同時使用超過一種驅動方法，並且在這種方式中使用的一組驅動方法可以稱為「一組同時驅動方法」。 Although EPID media are described as "black / white", they are usually driven to a number of different states between black and white to achieve various shades or "gray levels". In addition, the pixels can be driven through the transition from the initial grayscale to the final grayscale (which may or may not be different from the initial grayscale), and can be in the first and second grayscale states (which include the white and black ends). Dots) driving a given pixel. The term "waveform" will be used to indicate the curve of the entire voltage versus time used to achieve a transition from a specific initial grayscale to a specific final grayscale. Generally, such a waveform will include multiple waveform components; where these components are essentially rectangular (i.e., a given component includes a fixed voltage applied over a period of time); these components may be referred to as "pulses" or "Driving pulse". The term "driving method" means a set of waveforms sufficient to achieve all possible transitions between gray levels of a particular display. The display may use more than one driving method; for example, the aforementioned US Patent No. 7,012,600 teaches that the driving method may need to be modified based on parameters such as the temperature of the display or the time it has been running during its useful life, and thus the display may have A plurality of different driving methods such as different temperatures. The set of driving methods used in this way can be called "a set of related driving methods". It is also possible to use more than one driving method at the same time in different areas of the same display, and a group of driving methods used in this way can be referred to as a "group of simultaneous driving methods".

三層電泳顯示器的製造通常涉及至少一層壓操作。例如，在上述幾個專利及申請案中，描述一種用於製造膠囊型電泳顯示器的製程，其中，將包含在黏著劑中的膠囊之膠囊型電泳介質塗佈至包含氧化銦錫(ITO)的可撓曲基板或塑料膜上的類似導電塗層(其充當最終顯示器的一個電極)上，膠囊/黏著劑塗層被乾燥，以形成牢固地黏附至基板的電泳介質之黏著層。個別地，製備背板(參見第1圖)，其包含像素電極陣列及使像素電極連接至驅動電路(參見第2圖)的適當導體配置。為了形成最終顯示器，使用層壓黏著劑將上面具有膠囊/黏著層的基板層壓至背板上。在期望具有額外層(例如，數位化感測層(Wacom Technologies,Portland,OR))的實施例中，可以將那些層***電極層與基板之間，或者可以將額外的基板添加至電極層與額外層之間。在一較佳實施例中，背板本身係可撓曲性的且藉由在塑料膜或其他可撓曲基板上印刷像素電極及導體來製備。藉由這種製程大量生產顯示器的層壓技術係使用層壓黏著劑的滾筒層 壓(roll lamination)。 The manufacture of a three-layer electrophoretic display usually involves at least one lamination operation. For example, in the aforementioned patents and applications, a process for manufacturing a capsule-type electrophoretic display is described, in which a capsule-type electrophoretic medium containing capsules contained in an adhesive is applied to an indium tin oxide (ITO) -containing On a similar conductive coating on a flexible substrate or plastic film that serves as an electrode of the final display, the capsule / adhesive coating is dried to form an adhesive layer of an electrophoretic medium that is firmly adhered to the substrate. Separately, a backplane (see FIG. 1) is prepared, which includes a pixel electrode array and a suitable conductor arrangement that connects the pixel electrodes to a drive circuit (see FIG. 2). To form the final display, a substrate having a capsule / adhesive layer thereon is laminated to a backing plate using a laminating adhesive. In embodiments where it is desired to have additional layers (e.g., a digitized sensing layer (Wacom Technologies, Portland, OR)), those layers may be interposed between the electrode layer and the substrate, or additional substrates may be added to the electrode layer and Between extra layers. In a preferred embodiment, the back plate itself is flexible and is prepared by printing pixel electrodes and conductors on a plastic film or other flexible substrate. The lamination technology for mass-producing a display by this process is roll lamination using a laminating adhesive.

在層壓製程期間，使用一種以上的層壓黏著劑來對組件堆提供機械連續性，並且亦確保層相對於彼此係相對平坦的。在一些情況下，可以使用工業用層壓黏著劑(lamad)，但是層壓黏著劑的製造商(當然)奉獻相當大的努力來確保像黏著強度及層壓溫度的特性，而忽略層壓黏著劑的電性。於是，電泳顯示器的製造商通常修改工業用黏著劑，以達到所需的體積電阻係數。用於修改工業用黏著劑的電性之方法被描述於前述幾個專利中。這些方法通常涉及添加帶電共聚物、帶電部分或導電粒子。 During the lamination process, more than one laminating adhesive is used to provide mechanical continuity to the module stack and also ensure that the layers are relatively flat relative to each other. In some cases, industrial laminating adhesives can be used, but the manufacturer of the laminating adhesive (of course) devotes considerable efforts to ensuring properties like adhesion strength and lamination temperature, ignoring laminating adhesion Electrical properties of the agent. As a result, manufacturers of electrophoretic displays often modify industrial adhesives to achieve the required volume resistivity. Methods for modifying the electrical properties of industrial adhesives are described in the aforementioned patents. These methods usually involve the addition of charged copolymers, charged moieties or conductive particles.

第3A及3B圖係例示作為本申請的影像顯示裝置的實例之電子書的視圖。如圖所例示，雖然折疊部分相對較厚，但是電子書具有與一般書籍大致相同的厚度且其使用可以具有攜帶薄書的感覺，並且藉由在例如第3B圖所例示的折疊狀態中將其保持在手中，電子書可以像一般書籍一樣穩定地來攜帶。此外，如果它是完全打開的，其具有如第3A圖所例示的大致平坦的形狀，但藉由本申請案的發明，因為可撓曲顯示器不會彎曲/折斷，並且即使閉合電子書，在打開狀態下可以保持可撓曲顯示器的平坦度，因而整個螢幕可以在沒有變形的情況下使用。 3A and 3B are views illustrating an electronic book as an example of an image display device of the present application. As illustrated in the figure, although the folded portion is relatively thick, the e-book has approximately the same thickness as a general book and its use can have the feeling of carrying a thin book, and it is made by folding it in, for example, the state illustrated in FIG. 3B Keep it in your hand, the e-book can be carried stably like regular books. In addition, if it is fully opened, it has a substantially flat shape as illustrated in FIG. 3A, but with the invention of this application, since the flexible display does not bend / break, and even when the e-book is closed, The flatness of the flexible display can be maintained in the state, so the entire screen can be used without deformation.

第4A及4B圖係例示本申請案的影像顯示裝置之實例的鉸鏈部分之視圖。如第4A圖所示，旋轉齒輪22設置在旋轉軸23的近端，並且影像顯示裝置可以藉 由使軸23嚙合至同步齒輪24來以同步方式打開及閉合。通常，旋轉軸23的兩個旋轉齒輪22分別經由兩個同步齒輪24來嚙合，並且兩個同步齒輪彼此嚙合。藉由這種設計，兩個平面支撐構件中之每一者的運動係協調一致的，以確保可撓曲電光顯示器以平滑且同步方式來移動。於是，因為電子書的封面及封底以相同的角度打開及閉合，所以用一隻手打開及閉合電子書係微不足道的。雖然在第4A圖中僅顯示一個邊緣側，但是齒輪設置在軸的兩側。此外，如第4B圖所示，鉸鏈部分通常在使用時被蓋子21覆蓋，以防止可能會阻礙齒輪的功能之污垢進入且防止齒輪夾住使用者的手。應該注意的是，第4A及4B圖所示的旋轉齒輪及同步齒輪係示例性的。齒輪可以是完整圓形或它們可以是部分圓形。亦可以使用其它提供類似功能的形狀。 4A and 4B are views illustrating a hinge portion of an example of an image display device of the present application. As shown in FIG. 4A, the rotation gear 22 is provided at the proximal end of the rotation shaft 23, and the image display device can be opened and closed in a synchronized manner by engaging the shaft 23 to the synchronization gear 24. Generally, the two rotation gears 22 of the rotation shaft 23 are meshed via two synchronization gears 24, respectively, and the two synchronization gears are meshed with each other. With this design, the motion of each of the two planar support members is coordinated to ensure that the flexible electro-optical display moves in a smooth and synchronized manner. Therefore, because the front and back covers of the e-book are opened and closed at the same angle, it is trivial to open and close the e-book with one hand. Although only one edge side is shown in FIG. 4A, the gears are provided on both sides of the shaft. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4B, the hinge portion is usually covered by the cover 21 during use to prevent dirt that may hinder the function of the gear from entering and to prevent the gear from pinching the user's hand. It should be noted that the rotary gear and the synchronous gear train shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B are exemplary. The gears may be fully circular or they may be partially circular. Other shapes that provide similar functionality can also be used.

可撓曲顯示器彎曲結構Flexible display bending structure

更詳細描述關於第5A-6D圖之同步彎曲過程的細節。第5A圖例示包括鉸鏈部分之影像顯示裝置的端視圖。第5B圖例示影像顯示裝置的上視圖，其顯示旋轉軸在可撓曲電光顯示器的中心線之兩側偏移。第6A至6D圖表示當影像顯示裝置從打開狀態彎曲至折疊狀態時鉸鏈部分的端視圖之變化。 Details of the synchronous bending process of FIGS. 5A-6D are described in more detail. FIG. 5A illustrates an end view of an image display device including a hinge portion. FIG. 5B illustrates a top view of the image display device, which shows that the rotation axis is offset on both sides of the center line of the flexible electro-optic display. Figures 6A to 6D show changes in the end view of the hinge portion when the image display device is bent from the open state to the folded state.

通常，影像顯示裝置包括兩個平面支撐構件33及36，它們部分地固定至可撓曲電光顯示器31。在一些實施例中，電光顯示器31以黏著層固定到平面支撐 構件33及36。在這樣的實施例中，平面支撐構件33及36係矩形，並且旋轉軸23距矩形的邊緣38有一段預定距離且平行於中心線39。當然，只要平面支撐構件可以支撐可撓曲顯示器，平面支撐構件不限於矩形。當每一個平面支撐構件沿軸23旋轉直到90°的行進時，旋轉軸23與平面支撐構件的邊緣38相距一定的距離，而軸23與邊緣38之間的區域被稱為由邊界37界定的未固定區域。如第5B圖所示，平面支撐構件33及36各自在軸23上旋轉。為了給予最終影像顯示裝置更完美的外觀，平面支撐構件33和36覆蓋有覆蓋物34及35，覆蓋物34及35可以是任何合適的材料，例如，塑料、布或皮革。 Generally, the image display device includes two planar support members 33 and 36 that are partially fixed to the flexible electro-optical display 31. In some embodiments, the electro-optic display 31 is fixed to the planar support members 33 and 36 with an adhesive layer. In such an embodiment, the planar support members 33 and 36 are rectangular, and the rotation axis 23 is a predetermined distance from the edge 38 of the rectangle and is parallel to the center line 39. Of course, as long as the planar support member can support the flexible display, the planar support member is not limited to a rectangle. When each plane support member rotates along the axis 23 until 90 ° travel, the rotation axis 23 is a certain distance from the edge 38 of the plane support member, and the area between the axis 23 and the edge 38 is referred to as defined by the boundary 37 Unfixed area. As shown in FIG. 5B, the planar support members 33 and 36 each rotate on the shaft 23. In order to give the final image display device a more perfect appearance, the planar support members 33 and 36 are covered with covers 34 and 35, and the covers 34 and 35 may be any suitable material, such as plastic, cloth, or leather.

如先前所述，具有限制可撓曲電光顯示器的安全彎曲半徑之最小曲率半徑「R」。(R的位置明確顯示於第6D圖中。)如第5A圖所示，此最小曲率半徑可以與軸23之間的距離(此處為「l」)及軸23與邊界37之間的距離(此處為「a」)相關，其中邊界37係在平面支撐構件上的固定區域與未固定區域之間。當然，如果可撓曲電光顯示器彎曲超過最小曲率半徑，則可以預期斷裂。如果可撓曲電光顯示器的偏轉部分很小，並且處於平坦狀態的可撓曲顯示器係大致水平的，則可撓曲電光顯示器的未固定區域可以被視為具有從固定區域與未固定區域的一個邊界至另一個邊界的長度之半圓。參見第6D圖。於是，在此最小結構中，軸之間的距離允許可撓曲電光顯示器的彎曲部分適合於軸之間，其必須至少 是最小半徑的兩倍，因此l>2*R。當然，實際上，「l」應該寬一點，以考量軸的厚度以及可撓曲電光顯示器的厚度。因此，在一些實施例中，較佳的是具有l>2.5*R或l>3*R。 As mentioned previously, there is a minimum radius of curvature "R" that limits the safe bending radius of a flexible electro-optic display. (The position of R is clearly shown in Figure 6D.) As shown in Figure 5A, this minimum radius of curvature can be the distance from the axis 23 (here, "l") and the distance between the axis 23 and the boundary 37 (Here, "a"), where the boundary 37 is between a fixed area and an unfixed area on the planar support member. Of course, if the flexible electro-optical display is bent beyond the minimum radius of curvature, fracture can be expected. If the deflection part of the flexible electro-optical display is small and the flexible display in a flat state is substantially horizontal, the unfixed area of the flexible electro-optical display can be regarded as having one of a fixed area and an unfixed area. A semicircle of length from one boundary to another. See Figure 6D. Thus, in this minimal structure, the distance between the shafts allows the curved portion of the flexible electro-optic display to be suitable between the shafts, which must be at least twice the minimum radius, so l> 2 * R. Of course, in fact, "l" should be a little wider to consider the thickness of the shaft and the thickness of the flexible electro-optic display. Therefore, in some embodiments, it is preferable to have l> 2.5 * R or l> 3 * R.

在第5B圖中，未固定區域的範圍更容易看見，第5B圖顯示打開的可折疊裝置之俯視圖。距離「l」，亦即，軸之間的距離，以及平面支撐構件上之固定區域與未固定區域之間的較大間隙可以在第5B圖中看到。第5B圖所示的區域15對應於在一些實施例中可撓曲顯示層固定至支撐構件(或數位化層)的區域。在其他實施例中，整個可撓曲顯示層固定至支撐構件或數位化層。在其他實施例中，可撓曲顯示層的一側固定至支撐構件或數位化層，而另一側被允許在支撐構件或數位化層上自由移動，但是以側條結構來保持平坦(參見下文)。 In Figure 5B, the extent of the unfixed area is easier to see, and Figure 5B shows a top view of the open foldable device. The distance "l", that is, the distance between the axes, and the large gap between the fixed area and the unfixed area on the planar support member can be seen in Figure 5B. The area 15 shown in FIG. 5B corresponds to an area where the flexible display layer is fixed to the supporting member (or digitizing layer) in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the entire flexible display layer is fixed to a support member or a digitizing layer. In other embodiments, one side of the flexible display layer is fixed to the support member or digitizing layer, while the other side is allowed to move freely on the support member or digitizing layer, but is kept flat with a sidebar structure (see Below).

至於固定區域與未固定區域之間的邊界之間的距離，它必須考慮圍繞由彎曲區域形成的弧形之圓周距離。關於第6D圖，很容易看出沿著可撓曲電光顯示器的距離必須是圓周的一半或π*R。假設邊界37與中心線39等距，則每一個「a」必須是至少1/2*(π*R-2*R)或a>0.6*R。實際上，已經發現a>π/2*R係較佳的，並且在許多實施例中，具有a>π*R係有利的。 As for the distance between the boundary between the fixed area and the unfixed area, it must take into account the circumferential distance around the arc formed by the curved area. Regarding Figure 6D, it is easy to see that the distance along the flexible electro-optic display must be half the circumference or π * R. Assuming the boundary 37 is equidistant from the center line 39, each "a" must be at least 1/2 * (π * R-2 * R) or a> 0.6 * R. In fact, it has been found that a> π / 2 * R system is preferred, and in many embodiments, it is advantageous to have a> π * R system.

為了考慮平面支撐構件的未固定區域從軸朝向中心線的移動，包括脊柱32，其具有超過由兩個平面支撐構件的未固定區域繞著其各自的軸旋轉所掃過的體積之空容積。此外，脊柱32可以構造成在處於閉合狀態 時為平面支撐構件提供額外的支撐。另外，額外的支撐部分之長度僅需要是旋轉軸之間的距離之一半或更多，但這不是限制性的，並且兩個平面支撐構件可以具有不同的長度。在這種情況下，僅需要額外的支撐部分之總長度不小於旋轉軸之間的距離。另外，當平面支撐構件處於打開狀態時，如第5D圖所示，它們可以構造成以交錯的方式在兩個軸之間的區域中交替地連接。 In order to consider the movement of the unfixed area of the planar support member from the axis toward the centerline, the spine 32 is included, which has an empty volume that exceeds the volume swept by the unfixed area of the two planar support members around their respective axes. Further, the spine 32 may be configured to provide additional support to the planar support member when in the closed state. In addition, the length of the additional support portion need only be one-half or more of the distance between the rotation axes, but this is not limiting, and the two planar support members may have different lengths. In this case, it is only necessary that the total length of the additional supporting portion is not less than the distance between the rotation axes. In addition, when the planar support members are in an open state, as shown in FIG. 5D, they may be configured to be alternately connected in a staggered manner in a region between the two axes.

通常，可撓曲顯示器較佳地整體均勻地黏附至平面支撐構件。這就是為什麼可撓曲顯示器的觸感或可見性會根據其上是否存在黏著層而改變的原因，因為它薄如紙。雖然可以例如藉由對可撓曲顯示器的表面進行消光來改善可見性，但是如果用手指等觸摸可撓曲顯示器，則使用者傾向於感覺到層疊黏著層的邊界。因此，可撓曲顯示器的固定部分較佳地均勻地黏附至平面支撐構件。 Generally, the flexible display is preferably uniformly adhered to the planar support member as a whole. This is why the touch or visibility of a flexible display changes depending on whether there is an adhesive layer on it, as it is as thin as paper. Although the visibility can be improved, for example, by matting the surface of the flexible display, if the flexible display is touched with a finger or the like, the user tends to feel the boundary of the laminated adhesive layer. Therefore, the fixed portion of the flexible display is preferably uniformly adhered to the planar support member.

第6A至6D圖例示可撓曲電光顯示器的未固定彎曲部分41-44在打開狀態與閉合狀態之間操縱影像顯示裝置時如何變化。第6A圖所示的未固定部分41在任何實質全開狀態下係平坦的，然而在一些實施例中，平面支撐構件33及36之間的角度約為175°。如第6B圖所示，當平面支撐構件旋轉直到平面支撐構件之間的角度為120°時，可撓曲顯示器的未固定部分42開始與平面支撐構件的未固定區域分離，因而形成具有大曲率之弧形。在第6C圖中，固定區域與未固定區域之間的邊界37之間的直線距離進一步縮短。最後，在第6D圖中， 邊界37之間的直線距離最終大概等於旋轉軸之間的距離。如上所述，在折疊狀態下，軸與未固定界線之間的兩倍長度係過剩的及可撓曲顯示器在旋轉軸之間偏轉。 Figures 6A to 6D illustrate how the unfixed curved portions 41-44 of the flexible electro-optical display change when the image display device is manipulated between an open state and a closed state. The unfixed portion 41 shown in FIG. 6A is flat in any substantially fully opened state, however, in some embodiments, the angle between the planar support members 33 and 36 is about 175 °. As shown in FIG. 6B, when the flat support member is rotated until the angle between the flat support members is 120 °, the unfixed portion 42 of the flexible display starts to separate from the unfixed area of the flat support member, thus forming a large curvature. Of the arc. In FIG. 6C, the straight-line distance between the boundary 37 between the fixed area and the unfixed area is further shortened. Finally, in FIG. 6D, the straight line distance between the boundaries 37 is finally approximately equal to the distance between the rotation axes. As described above, in the folded state, twice the length between the shaft and the unfixed boundary line is excessive and the flexible display is deflected between the rotating shafts.

第7圖例示本發明的可折疊顯示器之一實施例。如第7圖所示，可撓曲顯示器73配置在前保護板71與後保護板72之間。可撓曲顯示器總成亦經由黏著層75固定至核心板76，但沒有固定在可撓曲顯示器的中心附近之未固定區域74(亦即，在折疊狀態下具有最銳利半徑的部分)中。黏著層75可以由黏著片、膜、帶或光學透明黏著劑(OCA)形成。黏著層75可具有0.05-0.4mm之間的厚度。 FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the foldable display of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the flexible display 73 is disposed between the front protective plate 71 and the rear protective plate 72. The flexible display assembly is also fixed to the core board 76 via the adhesive layer 75, but is not fixed in the unfixed area 74 (ie, the portion having the sharpest radius in the folded state) near the center of the flexible display. The adhesive layer 75 may be formed of an adhesive sheet, a film, a tape, or an optically clear adhesive (OCA). The adhesive layer 75 may have a thickness between 0.05 and 0.4 mm.

可折疊顯示器的彎曲半徑之分解圖顯示於第8A及8B圖中。第8A及8B圖具有大致相同的未固定區域，然而第8A圖沒有提供輔助支撐結構88來規定彎曲區域83處於折疊狀態時的形狀。相反地，第8B圖例示彎曲區域83的形狀由輔助支撐結構88來引導的實施例。如第8A圖所例示，因為在未固定區域中的核心板上沒有輔助支撐結構，所以可撓曲顯示器在固定層與未固定區域之間的邊界87附近具有輕微陡峭的斜率，這可能導致可撓曲顯示器73的向後彎曲，實質上是超過「正常」平坦操作的伸展，進而可能導致可撓曲顯示器73的故障。在可撓曲膠囊型電泳顯示器的情況下，此向後彎曲可能導致會停止切換或損壞可撓曲薄膜電晶體(TFTs)或驅動線之膠囊的大量失去。再者，在彎曲區域83的重複彎曲(及伸展)之後，彎曲區域在處於平坦狀態時易於產 生皺摺，這降低閱讀的體驗。 An exploded view of the bend radius of the foldable display is shown in Figures 8A and 8B. Figures 8A and 8B have approximately the same unfixed area, but Figure 8A does not provide an auxiliary support structure 88 to define the shape of the curved area 83 when it is folded. In contrast, FIG. 8B illustrates an embodiment where the shape of the curved region 83 is guided by the auxiliary support structure 88. As illustrated in Figure 8A, since there is no auxiliary support structure on the core board in the unfixed area, the flexible display has a slightly steep slope near the boundary 87 between the fixed layer and the unfixed area, which may result in The backward bending of the flexible display 73 is essentially an extension beyond the "normal" flat operation, which may further cause the flexible display 73 to malfunction. In the case of a flexible capsule-type electrophoretic display, this backward bending may cause a large number of capsules that may stop switching or damage flexible thin film transistors (TFTs) or driving wires. Furthermore, after repeated bending (and stretching) of the curved area 83, the curved area is prone to wrinkles when in a flat state, which reduces the reading experience.

於是，輔助支撐結構88可以簡單地是膠帶的較厚部分，如第8B圖所例示配置在未固定區域中。因為未固定區域的台階以所述膜或帶來填充，所以固定層與未固定區域之間的邊界附近之輕微陡峭的斜率變得緩和，並且可以藉由整個彎曲區域83獲得適當的偏轉。在其他實施例中，輔助支撐結構88以核心板76的輪廓成型(contoured molding)來形成，其中，黏著層75在可撓曲顯示器73與核心板76之間的整個界面上係實質平坦的。 Thus, the auxiliary support structure 88 may simply be a thicker portion of the tape, and is disposed in an unfixed area as illustrated in FIG. 8B. Because the steps of the unfixed area are filled with the film or band, a slightly steep slope near the boundary between the fixed layer and the unfixed area becomes gentle, and proper deflection can be obtained by the entire curved area 83. In other embodiments, the auxiliary supporting structure 88 is formed by contoured molding of the core plate 76, wherein the adhesive layer 75 is substantially flat on the entire interface between the flexible display 73 and the core plate 76.

在一些實施例中，例如，如第9A圖所示，輔助支撐結構88由黏著層75來提供。當黏著層75的厚度為0.2mm或更小時，這通常是較佳的。如果黏著層75大於0.2mm，則如第9B圖所示，輔助支撐結構88通常採用未固定區域中的輪廓或延展核心板76的形式。當然，輔助支撐結構88的形式不是僅由黏著層75的寬度來規定，而是可以在適當的範圍內選擇，只要避免陡峭的斜率(向後彎曲；參見第8A圖)即可。再者，根據需求，可以使用其他材料作為輔助支撐結構88。 In some embodiments, for example, as shown in FIG. 9A, the auxiliary support structure 88 is provided by an adhesive layer 75. When the thickness of the adhesive layer 75 is 0.2 mm or less, this is usually preferable. If the adhesive layer 75 is larger than 0.2 mm, as shown in FIG. 9B, the auxiliary support structure 88 usually takes the form of an outline or an extended core plate 76 in an unfixed area. Of course, the form of the auxiliary supporting structure 88 is not only determined by the width of the adhesive layer 75, but can be selected within an appropriate range, as long as a steep slope is avoided (backward bending; see FIG. 8A). Furthermore, other materials may be used as the auxiliary support structure 88 according to requirements.

雖然例如第8B圖所示，較佳實施例沒有向後彎曲，但是最終裝置的尺寸及形狀可能在可撓曲顯示器73中需要一些向後彎曲，以在裝置閉合時實現所需的裝置厚度。這可能在將額外的層(例如，數位化層(參見下文))添加至裝置時特別是如此。在需要少量的向後彎曲之情況下，在第10A圖與第10B圖的相較下，最好在 可撓曲顯示器73的較長直線距離上展開向後彎曲。如大致相同於第8A圖之第10A圖所示，在向後彎曲過度的情況下，可撓曲顯示器75可能由於膠囊或可撓曲電子設備故障而失效。 Although, for example, as shown in FIG. 8B, the preferred embodiment is not bent backwards, the size and shape of the final device may require some backward bending in the flexible display 73 to achieve the desired device thickness when the device is closed. This may be especially true when adding additional layers (eg, digitizing layers (see below)) to the device. In the case where a small amount of backward bending is required, it is preferable to expand the backward bending over a longer straight distance of the flexible display 73 compared to Figs. 10A and 10B. As shown in FIG. 10A, which is substantially the same as FIG. 8A, the flexible display 75 may fail due to a failure of the capsule or the flexible electronic device in the case of excessive bending backward.

第10B圖例示在裝置設計在可撓曲顯示器73中需要一定量的向後彎曲時可以克服這種風險的設計。如第10圖所示，藉由增加未固定區域74的寬度來實現逐漸向後彎曲111，以便減少在黏著層75與未固定區域74之間的邊界處的向後彎曲之斜率。 Figure 10B illustrates a design that can overcome this risk when the device design requires a certain amount of backward bending in the flexible display 73. As shown in FIG. 10, the gradual backward bending 111 is achieved by increasing the width of the unfixed region 74 so as to reduce the slope of the backward bending at the boundary between the adhesive layer 75 and the unfixed region 74.

第10A圖與第10B圖之間的向內彎曲半徑之對比更詳細地顯示於第11A及11B圖中。在第11A圖中，剖面圖中之未固定區域74的未固定長度115較短，導致彎曲區域83的傾斜角113小於臨界角，從而隨著彎曲區域83之重複彎曲而增加故障之風險。然而，在第11B圖中，未固定長度112增加了，導致彎曲區域83的傾斜角114大於臨界角。結果，儘管重複彎曲，可撓曲顯示器仍保持功能。 The comparison of the inward bending radii between Figures 10A and 10B is shown in more detail in Figures 11A and 11B. In FIG. 11A, the unfixed length 115 of the unfixed area 74 in the cross-sectional view is relatively short, which causes the inclination angle 113 of the curved area 83 to be smaller than the critical angle, thereby increasing the risk of failure as the curved area 83 is repeatedly bent. However, in FIG. 11B, the unfixed length 112 is increased, resulting in the inclination angle 114 of the curved region 83 being greater than the critical angle. As a result, the flexible display remains functional despite repeated bending.

實例Examples

已說明第11B圖之逐漸向後彎曲設計的益處。製備可撓曲膠囊型電泳顯示器(E Ink Corporation)，其包括可撓曲主動矩陣背板(Plastic Logic)。對於這個測試，未固定區域74為15mm寬，而未固定長度112為6mm，並且黏著層的厚度為0.1mm。在從折疊至平坦狀態的超過5000次彎曲之後，可撓曲顯示器保持完整功能 且沒有顯示出皺紋。作為控制，製備具有第11A圖的尺寸之第二可撓曲顯示裝置，其具有15mm寬的未固定區域，但具有僅1mm的未固定長度115，並且具有0.1mm之黏著層的厚度。在大約2000次彎曲之後，控制裝置開始顯示故障的跡象，其包括未切換墨水的區域。在5000次彎曲時，兩個裝置之間的影像品質差異在沒有額外放大的情況下係很明顯的。 The benefits of the gradual backward bend design of Figure 11B have been illustrated. A flexible capsule-type electrophoretic display (E Ink Corporation) was prepared, which includes a flexible active matrix backplane (Plastic Logic). For this test, the unfixed area 74 is 15 mm wide and the unfixed length 112 is 6 mm, and the thickness of the adhesive layer is 0.1 mm. After more than 5,000 bends from folded to flat, the flexible display remains fully functional and shows no wrinkles. As a control, a second flexible display device having the size of FIG. 11A was prepared, which had an unfixed area of 15 mm wide, but had an unfixed length of only 1 mm 115, and had a thickness of an adhesive layer of 0.1 mm. After about 2,000 bends, the control began to show signs of failure, including areas where ink was not switched. At 5,000 bends, the difference in image quality between the two devices is obvious without additional magnification.

因此，本發明可以提供一種薄且重量輕並且可以像書一樣折疊的影像顯示裝置。影像顯示裝置可以包括可撓曲顯示器及設計成適合於可撓曲顯示器的折疊之彎曲機構。在使用中，顯示裝置可以像一般書籍一樣來攜帶及存放。當打開書時，它是非常平坦的且可以旋轉90度，以允許書像單張A4紙來閱讀。 Therefore, the present invention can provide an image display device that is thin and light and can be folded like a book. The image display device may include a flexible display and a bending mechanism designed to be suitable for folding of the flexible display. In use, the display device can be carried and stored like a general book. When the book is opened, it is very flat and can be rotated 90 degrees to allow the book to be read like a single sheet of A4 paper.

可寫的可撓曲顯示器Writable flexible display

本申請案的發明技術可以應用於商業化，以作為可以使用可撓曲EPD折疊成一半之重量輕且薄的電子書或電子筆記型電腦，但是藉由將它使用在不同於上述之智慧型手機及平板電腦產品的遠方處且藉由允許它經由藍牙等與那些產品連結，可以開發利用可撓曲EPD最初具有的節電特徵之作為第二顯示器的產品。高級實施例亦可以包括如第7圖所示之直接在書中以電子方式「書寫」的能力。如第12圖所示，觸控筆1205可以用於與可撓曲電光顯示器互動。觸控筆可以使用電場、電磁場(例如，光)、電容、實體觸摸、光學感測或磁場與 顯示器互動。電光顯示器可以包括數位化層，以允許追蹤及記錄輸入，或者觸控筆可以與可撓曲電光顯示器直接互動，以改變顯示器的狀態。 The inventive technology of this application can be applied to commercialization as a light and thin e-book or e-notebook computer that can be folded into half using a flexible EPD, but by using it in a different type from the smart one described above Mobile phones and tablet products are remotely located and allowed to connect to those products via Bluetooth or the like, and products that can use the power-saving features of the flexible EPD as a second display can be developed. Advanced embodiments may also include the ability to "write" electronically directly in the book as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, the stylus pen 1205 can be used to interact with a flexible electro-optic display. The stylus can interact with the display using electric, electromagnetic (e.g., light), capacitive, physical touch, optical sensing, or magnetic fields. The electro-optic display may include a digitizing layer to allow tracking and recording of inputs, or the stylus may directly interact with the flexible electro-optic display to change the state of the display.

許多不同的數位化系統可以用於在此所示之可撓曲的可寫顯示器設計。例如，Wacom(Wacom Co.Ltd.,Kazo,Japan)的電磁共振(EMR)數位化技術，藉此由位於可撓曲顯示器後面的通電數位化層來定位觸控筆尖端(包括感應線圈)。其他技術，例如，使用主動式觸控筆之電容式觸控(N-Trig Technologies)或主動式靜電感測(Wacom)可以用於本發明。 Many different digitizing systems can be used for the flexible writable display design shown here. For example, Wacom (Wacom Co. Ltd., Kazo, Japan) 's electromagnetic resonance (EMR) digitization technology, whereby the stylus tip (including the induction coil) is positioned by a powered digitizing layer located behind the flexible display. Other technologies, such as capacitive touch using active stylus (N-Trig Technologies) or active electrostatic sensing (Wacom) can be used in the present invention.

第13圖係可撓曲的可寫裝置1400之分解圖，其包括可撓曲電泳顯示(EPD)層1402、接合數位化層(EMR)1403及核心板1405。如第13圖所例示，可撓曲的可寫裝置1400具有大約1cm的厚度，並且具有薄書的感覺。當處於折疊狀態時，資訊終端機可以像一般書籍一樣來穩定地攜帶，而當完全打開時，它具有如例示之大致平坦的形狀。然而，不像一般書籍，內容可以電子方式來更新，並且當與觸控筆(未顯示)組合時，使用者可以記筆記及標記文件。使用者亦可以將可撓曲的可寫裝置1400當作筆記本或素描板。 FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a flexible writable device 1400, which includes a flexible electrophoretic display (EPD) layer 1402, a bonding digitalization layer (EMR) 1403, and a core board 1405. As exemplified in FIG. 13, the flexible writable device 1400 has a thickness of about 1 cm and has the feeling of a thin book. When in the folded state, the information terminal can be stably carried like a general book, and when fully opened, it has a substantially flat shape as exemplified. However, unlike general books, content can be updated electronically, and when combined with a stylus (not shown), users can take notes and mark documents. The user can also use the flexible writable device 1400 as a notebook or sketchpad.

第14圖係例示可撓曲的可寫裝置1400之一實施例的層之剖面圖。藉由可撓曲EPD層1402顯示可見內容，EPD層1402包括電泳介質及可撓曲主動矩陣背板。數位化層1403配置在可撓曲EPD層1402與核心板1404(或1405)之間，核心板提供結構穩定性且保護可撓 曲EPD層1402及數位化層1403免受實體衝擊。數位化層1403構造成偵測觸控筆的運動，並且可以藉由電磁感測、電容感測或光感測來工作。所述疊額外地包括黏著層，以保持層的結構。 FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating layers of one embodiment of a flexible writable device 1400. FIG. Visible content is displayed by the flexible EPD layer 1402, which includes an electrophoretic medium and a flexible active matrix backplane. The digitizing layer 1403 is disposed between the flexible EPD layer 1402 and the core board 1404 (or 1405). The core board provides structural stability and protects the flexible EPD layer 1402 and the digitizing layer 1403 from physical impact. The digitizing layer 1403 is configured to detect the movement of the stylus, and can work by electromagnetic sensing, capacitive sensing, or light sensing. The stack additionally includes an adhesive layer to maintain the structure of the layer.

如第14圖所例示，可撓曲的可寫裝置1400之部分可以構造成在折疊可撓曲的可寫裝置1400時相對於彼此移動。在一實施例中，(顯示於第14圖的左側，「固定側」)，可撓曲EPD層1402藉由第一黏著層1408相對於數位化層1403來固定，而數位化層1403經由第二黏著層1409固定至核心板1404。在另一實施例中，(顯示於第14圖的右側，「EPD可移動側」)，可撓曲EPD層1402構造成相對於數位化層1403移動。通常，可撓曲EPD層1402不允許完全浮動，但是受結構1406及1407所局限，結構1406及1407提供用於可撓曲EPD層1402在裝置折疊時橫向滑動的軌道(參見下文)。然而，即使當可撓曲EPD層1402末被固定時，數位化層1403通常經由黏著層1410固定至核心板1404。如上所述，固定及未固定結構保留靠近折疊軸的未固定區域，以提供受控彎曲。 As illustrated in FIG. 14, portions of the flexible writable device 1400 may be configured to move relative to each other when the flexible writable device 1400 is folded. In an embodiment (shown on the left side of FIG. 14, "fixed side"), the flexible EPD layer 1402 is fixed with respect to the digitizing layer 1403 by the first adhesive layer 1408, and the digitizing layer 1403 is provided by the first The two adhesive layers 1409 are fixed to the core board 1404. In another embodiment (shown on the right side of FIG. 14, "EPD movable side"), the flexible EPD layer 1402 is configured to move relative to the digitizing layer 1403. Generally, the flexible EPD layer 1402 is not allowed to float completely, but is limited by structures 1406 and 1407, which provide tracks for the flexible EPD layer 1402 to slide laterally when the device is folded (see below). However, even when the flexible EPD layer 1402 is not fixed, the digitizing layer 1403 is usually fixed to the core board 1404 via the adhesive layer 1410. As mentioned above, fixed and unfixed structures retain unfixed areas near the folding axis to provide controlled bending.

第14圖所示之可撓曲的可寫裝置1400可以包括額外的保護層、封裝層或觸覺層，以使可撓曲的可寫裝置1400更加堅固並且改善使用觸控筆的書寫體驗。 The flexible writable device 1400 shown in FIG. 14 may include an additional protective layer, an encapsulation layer, or a tactile layer to make the flexible writable device 1400 more robust and improve the writing experience using a stylus.

在「EPD可移動側」實施例中，通常提供額外的結構，以在裝置處於打開狀態時保持良好的平坦度。如第15A及15B圖所示，側條結構1406從頂部保 持可撓曲EPD顯示器1402，並且當裝置彎曲時，使可撓曲EPD顯示器1402的邊緣保持平貼在數位化層1403上，並且最終，使核心板1405保持平坦。這可以在第15B圖的裝置之角部的放大圖中清楚看出。結果，因為當可撓曲的可寫裝置1400閉合時，可撓曲EPD顯示器1402可以偏轉更多，所以當存在數位化層1403時，可以在打開狀態中保持可撓曲顯示器的高平坦度，數位化層1403可以比可撓曲EPD顯示器1402厚得多。任選地，另一潤滑層1407可以是例如介電質薄片，以有助於可撓曲EPD層1402與數位化層1403相互滑動。 In the "EPD movable side" embodiment, additional structures are typically provided to maintain good flatness when the device is in the open state. As shown in Figures 15A and 15B, the side strip structure 1406 holds the flexible EPD display 1402 from the top, and keeps the edges of the flexible EPD display 1402 flat against the digitizing layer 1403 when the device is bent, and finally To keep the core board 1405 flat. This can be clearly seen in the enlarged view of the corner of the device in FIG. 15B. As a result, since the flexible EPD display 1402 can deflect more when the flexible writable device 1400 is closed, when the digitizing layer 1403 is present, the high flatness of the flexible display can be maintained in the open state, The digitizing layer 1403 can be much thicker than the flexible EPD display 1402. Optionally, the other lubricating layer 1407 may be, for example, a dielectric sheet to help the flexible EPD layer 1402 and the digitizing layer 1403 slide with each other.

第16圖係例示可撓曲的可寫裝置1600之鉸鏈部分的剖面圖，其包括第一側(第16圖的左側)，其中，可撓曲EPD顯示器1402固定至數位化層1403；以及第二側(第16圖的右側)，其中，當可撓曲的寫入裝置閉合時，可撓曲EPD顯示器1402可以相對於數位化層1403移動。如第16圖的右側所示，可撓曲EPD顯示器1402夾在側條結構1406與數位化層1403及核心板1405之間。因此，可撓曲的可寫裝置可以打開及閉合而不會使可撓曲EPD顯示器1402擠壓或彎曲。特別是，同步齒輪1614協調軸齒輪1613的旋轉，使得核心板1404及1405平滑地打開及閉合。此外，因為核心板1404及1405兩者以相同的角度打開及閉合，所以例如可以用一隻手使可撓曲的可寫裝置在打開與閉合狀態之間移動。 FIG. 16 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a hinge portion of a flexible writable device 1600, which includes a first side (left side of FIG. 16) in which a flexible EPD display 1402 is fixed to a digitizing layer 1403; and Two sides (right side of FIG. 16), where the flexible EPD display 1402 can be moved relative to the digitizing layer 1403 when the flexible writing device is closed. As shown on the right side of FIG. 16, the flexible EPD display 1402 is sandwiched between the side strip structure 1406 and the digitizing layer 1403 and the core board 1405. Therefore, the flexible writable device can be opened and closed without squeezing or bending the flexible EPD display 1402. In particular, the synchronization gear 1614 coordinates the rotation of the shaft gear 1613, so that the core plates 1404 and 1405 are smoothly opened and closed. In addition, since both the core boards 1404 and 1405 are opened and closed at the same angle, for example, the flexible writable device can be moved between the opened and closed states with one hand.

在一些實施例中，包含加壓機構1717可以促進閉合及彎曲，當可撓曲的可寫裝置1400閉合時，加壓 機構1717在彎曲部分(例如，未固定區域)處向可撓曲EPD顯示器1402施加向下的壓力。如第17圖所例示，加壓機構1717靠著可撓曲EPD顯示器1402來配置且與同步齒輪及軸齒輪(1614及1613-參見第16圖)一起移動，以使組合層如第17圖中之彎曲箭頭所示繞著軸1719及1720旋轉。在旋轉的同時，可撓曲EPD顯示器1402的右側沿著數位化層1403滑動，以允許可撓曲EPD顯示器在沒有擠壓之情況下折疊。 In some embodiments, the inclusion of a pressurizing mechanism 1717 may facilitate closure and bending. When the flexible writable device 1400 is closed, the pressurizing mechanism 1717 is directed toward the flexible EPD display at a curved portion (eg, an unfixed area). 1402 exerts downward pressure. As exemplified in FIG. 17, the pressurizing mechanism 1717 is arranged against the flexible EPD display 1402 and moves with the synchronous gear and the shaft gear (1614 and 1613-see FIG. 16) so that the combined layer is as shown in FIG. 17. The curved arrows rotate around the axes 1719 and 1720. While rotating, the right side of the flexible EPD display 1402 slides along the digitizing layer 1403 to allow the flexible EPD display to fold without being squeezed.

第18圖以類似於第4A及4B圖的立體圖顯示完成之可撓曲的可寫裝置1700之端視圖，其包括加壓機構1717。可以將加壓機構1717整合至脊柱蓋21中。(加壓機構1717的長度已經縮短，使得可以看到下面的結構。)於是，當可撓曲的可寫裝置1700閉合時，可撓曲EPD顯示器1402被加壓機構1717從上方自然地向下壓。 FIG. 18 shows an end view of the completed flexible writable device 1700 in a perspective view similar to FIGS. 4A and 4B, which includes a pressurizing mechanism 1717. The pressurizing mechanism 1717 may be integrated into the spinal cap 21. (The length of the pressurizing mechanism 1717 has been shortened so that the following structure can be seen.) Therefore, when the flexible writable device 1700 is closed, the flexible EPD display 1402 is naturally downward from the top by the pressurizing mechanism 1717. Pressure.

觸控感測顯示器Touch sensing display

可以將觸控感測器可以整合至可折疊的可寫顯示器中，以產生具有觸控感測之可折疊的可寫裝置2000。在大多數情況下，觸控感測器不會增加裝置的體積，而是使具有觸控感測之可折疊的可寫裝置2000看起來大致類似於第3A及3B圖所示之可折疊裝置。 The touch sensor can be integrated into a foldable writable display to produce a foldable writable device 2000 with touch sensing. In most cases, the touch sensor does not increase the size of the device, but makes the foldable writable device 2000 with touch sensing look substantially similar to the foldable device shown in Figures 3A and 3B. .

具有觸控感測之可折疊的可寫裝置2000之分解圖顯示於第19圖中。裝置2000包括感測層2003，其配置在可撓曲顯示層2002下方，用於偵測觸控筆或其 他標記裝置的位置。如關於第13-16圖所述，感測層2003及可撓曲顯示層2002兩者皆由核心板2004及2005來支撐。此結構更詳細顯示於第20圖中，第20圖顯示完整結構的剖面圖。再者，如上面關於第14圖所論述，可撓曲顯示層2002的一端可以是未固定的，使得當裝置從打開(平坦)狀態移動至閉合狀態時，它能夠滑過感測層2003。然而，如第20圖所示，可撓曲顯示層的未固定部分(亦即，第20圖的右側)通常不在裝置2000之未固定觸控感測單元2007的一側(亦即，第20圖的左側)。 An exploded view of the foldable writable device 2000 with touch sensing is shown in FIG. 19. The device 2000 includes a sensing layer 2003, which is disposed below the flexible display layer 2002 and is used to detect the position of a stylus or other marking device. As shown in FIGS. 13-16, both the sensing layer 2003 and the flexible display layer 2002 are supported by the core boards 2004 and 2005. This structure is shown in more detail in Figure 20, which shows a cross-sectional view of the complete structure. Furthermore, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 14, one end of the flexible display layer 2002 may be unfixed, so that when the device moves from an open (flat) state to a closed state, it can slide over the sensing layer 2003. However, as shown in FIG. 20, the unfixed portion of the flexible display layer (that is, the right side of FIG. 20) is generally not on the side of the unfixed touch sensing unit 2007 of the device 2000 (that is, the 20th Left side of the figure).

如第21圖所示，觸控感測單元2007朝大致平行於可撓曲顯示層2002的表面之方向發射光線。當操作者在可撓曲顯示層2002的表面上朝期望的方向移動他或她的手指時，觸控感測單元2007偵測到手指越過發射的光線，然後識別手指的位置。觸控感測單元2007在可撓曲顯示層2002的表面上發射光線(例如，紅外光)，並且偵測從像手指的待測物體反射之光線，並且識別待測物體的位置。如第21圖所示，發光單元2019朝大致平行於可撓曲顯示層2002的表面之方向經由光導2015發射光線2017。來自待測物體(例如，手指)的反射光被光偵測器2016接收，反射光係經由光導2015來收集。發光單元2019可以是標準IR發光二極體，其例如可從Luminus(Sunnyvale，CA)購得。偵測器可以是可從Everlight Electronics(Carrollton，TX)購得之IR光電二極體(或其陣列)。在一些實施例中，發光單元2019、光偵測器2016及光導2015被整合至單個系統中，其例如 可從Leyard(Hillsboro，OR)購得。 As shown in FIG. 21, the touch sensing unit 2007 emits light in a direction substantially parallel to the surface of the flexible display layer 2002. When the operator moves his or her finger in the desired direction on the surface of the flexible display layer 2002, the touch sensing unit 2007 detects the light emitted by the finger over, and then recognizes the position of the finger. The touch sensing unit 2007 emits light (for example, infrared light) on the surface of the flexible display layer 2002, and detects light reflected from the object to be measured like a finger, and recognizes the position of the object to be measured. As shown in FIG. 21, the light emitting unit 2019 emits light 2017 through the light guide 2015 in a direction substantially parallel to the surface of the flexible display layer 2002. The reflected light from the object to be measured (for example, a finger) is received by the light detector 2016, and the reflected light is collected through the light guide 2015. The light emitting unit 2019 may be a standard IR light emitting diode, which is available, for example, from Luminus (Sunnyvale, CA). The detector may be an IR photodiode (or an array thereof) available from Everlight Electronics (Carrollton, TX). In some embodiments, the light emitting unit 2019, the light detector 2016, and the light guide 2015 are integrated into a single system, which is available, for example, from Leyard (Hillsboro, OR).

在大部分情況下，光線2017大致平行於可撓曲顯示層2002的表面來發射，亦即，當裝置2000處於完全平坦狀態時的較佳結構。然而，對於觸控感測單元2007的有效地操作，裝置2000不需要係完全平坦的。如第22A圖所示，當核心板2004及2005不是完全平面的時，例如，如果它們形成輕微彎曲的角度，例如，174°或更大，則觸控感測單元可容易地工作。再者，因為光線2017在可撓曲顯示層2002上方的小高度(h)處發射，並且因為發光單元2019的透鏡導致角度(θ)的發射(不是平行的)，所以如第22B圖所示，對於許多輕微彎曲的角度，簡單的發光單元2019可以覆蓋可撓曲顯示層2002的表面之整個區域。在一些實施例中，當核心板2004及2005界定小於180°的角度(例如，在180°與145°之間，例如，在180°與150°之間，例如，在180°與165°之間)時，裝置2000具有功能性觸控感測。 In most cases, the light 2017 is emitted substantially parallel to the surface of the flexible display layer 2002, that is, a better structure when the device 2000 is in a completely flat state. However, for effective operation of the touch sensing unit 2007, the device 2000 need not be completely flat. As shown in FIG. 22A, when the core boards 2004 and 2005 are not completely flat, for example, if they form a slightly curved angle, for example, 174 ° or more, the touch sensing unit can easily work. Furthermore, because the light 2017 is emitted at a small height (h) above the flexible display layer 2002, and because the lens of the light emitting unit 2019 causes the emission (not parallel) of the angle (θ), as shown in FIG. 22B For many slightly curved angles, the simple light-emitting unit 2019 can cover the entire area of the surface of the flexible display layer 2002. In some embodiments, when the core boards 2004 and 2005 define an angle less than 180 ° (for example, between 180 ° and 145 °, for example, between 180 ° and 150 °, for example, between 180 ° and 165 ° Time), the device 2000 has functional touch sensing.

可以計算發射角，低於此發射角，裝置將停止在可撓曲顯示層2002的整個平面上進行IR感測。參見第22B圖。在打開角度為174°的情況下，H-h約為2×l×θ×(π/180)，而H約為1×6×(π/180)。於是，θ約為3-90×h/(l×π)。為了覆蓋可撓曲顯示器的整個區域，由觸控感測單元7發射的光線之方向與平行於可撓曲顯示器2之表面的方向之間的角度較佳地大於θ。例如，如果h係5mm，而l係100mm，則θ約為1.56。於是，光線方向與平行於表面的方向之間的角度較佳地大於1.56°。更 佳地，所述角度大於2°。 The emission angle can be calculated. Below this emission angle, the device will stop IR sensing on the entire plane of the flexible display layer 2002. See Figure 22B. When the opening angle is 174 °, H-h is about 2 × l × θ × (π / 180), and H is about 1 × 6 × (π / 180). Then, θ is about 3-90 × h / (l × π). To cover the entire area of the flexible display, the angle between the direction of the light emitted by the touch sensing unit 7 and the direction parallel to the surface of the flexible display 2 is preferably larger than θ. For example, if h is 5 mm and l is 100 mm, θ is about 1.56. Thus, the angle between the direction of the light and the direction parallel to the surface is preferably greater than 1.56 °. More preferably, the angle is greater than 2 °.

這並不是說觸控功能必須受限於核心板2004及2005係大致共平面的。在一些實施例中，如第23圖所例示，發光單元2019的方向性可以隨著裝置2000的彎曲角度而改變。這可以藉由例如角度聯動機構(angle linking mechanism)2026來完成，角度聯動機構2026包括在裝置2000打開及閉合時使觸控感測單元旋轉的同步齒輪。 This is not to say that the touch function must be limited by the core boards 2004 and 2005 being approximately coplanar. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 23, the directivity of the light emitting unit 2019 may change with the bending angle of the device 2000. This can be accomplished, for example, by an angle linking mechanism 2026, which includes a synchronization gear that rotates the touch sensing unit when the device 2000 is opened and closed.

第24圖所例示的另一實施例包括兩個不同的觸控感測單元2007A及2007B，每一個單元具有不同類型的光源。此實施例亦包括濾波器2501及2502，以確保只有來自期望觸控感測單元的光在那個特定觸控感測器處被接收。於是，當裝置處於部分打開狀態時，觸控感測單元2007A或2007B將僅偵測那個側上的觸摸。當裝置完全打開時，兩個感測器將在同一空間內操作，然而，藉由比較兩個觸控感測單元的偵測位置或簡單地取兩個測量位置的平均值，可以適應任何雙重感測。 Another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 24 includes two different touch sensing units 2007A and 2007B, each unit having a different type of light source. This embodiment also includes filters 2501 and 2502 to ensure that only light from the desired touch sensing unit is received at that particular touch sensor. Therefore, when the device is in a partially opened state, the touch sensing unit 2007A or 2007B will only detect a touch on that side. When the device is fully open, the two sensors will operate in the same space. However, by comparing the detection positions of the two touch sensing units or simply taking the average of the two measurement positions, it can be adapted to any dual Sensing.

因為本申請案的可攜式資訊裝置僅在主體的一側包括觸控感測單元，所以可以實現重量輕且薄的終端機及擴散型觸控面板(spread type touch panel)。因此，可以解決下列問題：發生觸控面板之的彎曲破損，以及當使用在板之間具有特定角度之可攜式資訊裝置時，觸控面板會在壓力下在彎曲部分處偵測錯誤的觸摸。本申請案的發明技術產生可折疊的可寫觸控感應裝置，其可以被整合至裝置的生態系統(包括WIFI、藍牙等)中。 Because the portable information device of this application includes a touch sensing unit on only one side of the main body, a light-weight and thin terminal and a spread type touch panel can be realized. Therefore, the following problems can be solved: the bending breakage of the touch panel occurs, and when a portable information device having a specific angle between the boards is used, the touch panel detects a false touch at the bent portion under pressure . The inventive technology of this application produces a foldable, writable touch sensing device that can be integrated into the device's ecosystem (including WIFI, Bluetooth, etc.).

定義definition

應用於材料或顯示器的術語「電光」在此以其在成像技藝中的傳統含義用以提及具有在至少一光學特性方面係不同的第一及第二顯示狀態之材料，其中，藉由施加電場至材料，將材料從其第一顯示狀態改變至其第二顯示狀態。雖然該光學特性通常是人眼可感知的顏色，但是它可以是其它光學特性，例如，光傳輸、反射率及發光亮度，或者就意欲用於機器讀取之顯示器來說，在可見範圍外之電磁波波長的反射率之變化感知方面的假色(pseudo-color)。 The term "electro-optical" applied to a material or a display is used herein in its traditional meaning in imaging technology to refer to a material having first and second display states that differ in at least one optical characteristic, wherein, by applying The electric field to the material changes the material from its first display state to its second display state. Although this optical characteristic is usually a color that can be perceived by the human eye, it can be other optical characteristics such as light transmission, reflectance, and luminous brightness, or, for a display intended for machine reading, outside the visible range Pseudo-color in the perception of changes in the reflectivity of electromagnetic wave wavelengths.

術語「灰色狀態」或「灰階」在此以其成像技藝中之傳統含義用以提及在像素之兩個極端光學狀態間的狀態，以及沒有必定意味著這兩個極端狀態之間之黑白轉移(black-white transition)。例如，下面提及的數個E Ink專利及公開申請案描述電泳顯示器，其中，極端狀態為白色及深藍色，使得中間「灰色狀態」實際上是淺藍色。更確切地，如所述，光學狀態之變化可能根本不是顏色變化。術語「黑色」及「白色」在下面可以用以提及顯示器之兩個極端光學狀態，以及應該理解為通常包括完全不是黑色及白色之極端光學狀態，例如，前述白色及深藍色狀態。術語「單色(monochrome)」在此可以用以表示只將像素驅動至不具有中間灰色狀態之它們的兩個極端光學狀態之驅動方法。 The term "gray state" or "gray scale" is used here in its traditional meaning in imaging technology to refer to the state between the two extreme optical states of a pixel, and does not necessarily mean the black and white between the two extreme states Black-white transition. For example, several E Ink patents and published applications mentioned below describe electrophoretic displays, where the extreme state is white and dark blue, so that the middle "gray state" is actually light blue. Rather, as stated, the change in optical state may not be a change in color at all. The terms "black" and "white" may be used below to refer to the two extreme optical states of the display, and should be understood to generally include extreme optical states other than black and white, such as the aforementioned white and dark blue states. The term "monochrome" can be used herein to refer to a driving method that only drives pixels to their two extreme optical states without intermediate gray states.

一些電光材料在材料具有固體外表面的意義 上係固體的，儘管材料可能且經常具有內部液體或氣體填充的空間。這樣使用固體電光材料的顯示器在下文中可以方便地稱為「固體電光顯示器」。因此，術語「固體電光顯示器」包括旋轉雙色構件顯示器、膠囊型電泳顯示器、微單元電泳顯示器及膠囊型液晶顯示器。 Some electro-optic materials are solid in the sense that the material has a solid outer surface, although the material may and often has a space filled with liquid or gas inside. Such a display using a solid electro-optic material may be conveniently referred to as a "solid electro-optic display" hereinafter. Therefore, the term "solid electro-optical display" includes a rotating two-color component display, a capsule-type electrophoretic display, a micro-cell electrophoretic display, and a capsule-type liquid crystal display.

術語「雙穩態(bistable)」及「雙穩性(bistability)」在此以該項技藝中之傳統含義用以提及顯示器包括具有在至少一光學特性方面係不同的第一及第二顯示狀態之顯示元件，以及以便在以有限持續時間之定址脈波驅動任何一給定元件，以呈現其第一或第二顯示狀態後及在終止定址脈波後，那個狀態持續至少數次，例如，至少4次；定址脈波需要最短持續時間來改變顯示元件之狀態。美國專利第7,170,670號顯示一些具有灰階能力的以粒子為基礎的電泳顯示器不僅在極端黑色及白色狀態中，而且在中間灰色狀態中係穩定的，以及一些其它類型的電光顯示器亦同樣是如此。這類型的顯示器可適當地稱為「多穩態(multi-stable)」而不是雙穩態，但是為了方便起見，術語「雙穩態」在此可以用以涵蓋雙穩態及多穩態顯示器。 The terms "bistable" and "bistability" are used herein in the traditional meaning of the art to refer to a display including a first and a second display that differ in at least one optical characteristic. A display element of a state, and in order to drive any given element with an address pulse of a finite duration to present its first or second display state and after terminating the address pulse, that state lasts at least several times, for example , At least 4 times; the address pulse needs the shortest duration to change the state of the display element. US Patent No. 7,170,670 shows that some particle-based electrophoretic displays with grayscale capabilities are stable not only in extreme black and white states, but also in intermediate gray states, as well as some other types of electro-optical displays. This type of display may be appropriately referred to as "multi-stable" instead of bistable, but for convenience, the term "bistable" can be used here to cover bistable and multistable monitor.

熟悉該項技藝者將顯而易見的是，在不脫離本發明的範圍之情況下可以對上述本發明的具體實施例進行許多的改變及修改。因此，整個前述描述將被解釋為例示性的而非限制性的。 It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described specific embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the entire foregoing description is to be construed as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims (21)

一種影像顯示裝置，其包括：一可撓曲電光顯示器，其包含兩個平面部分及一可彎曲部分，該可彎曲部分係可撓曲的且能夠顯示影像；兩個平面支撐構件，每個平面支撐構件包括一固定區域及一未固定區域，其中，該固定區域連接至且支撐該可撓曲電光顯示器的平面部分中之一者，並且其中，該未固定區域未連接至該可撓曲電光顯示器；以及一彎曲機構，其包括兩個個別旋轉軸，該兩個旋轉軸平行於由該可撓曲電光顯示器所界定的中心線，其中，該兩個軸中之每一者設置成與該中心線分開有一預定距離，並且其中，該等軸中之每一者界定一平面支撐構件的樞軸，其中，每個樞軸鄰近該平面支撐構件的固定區域與未固定區域之間的邊界。     An image display device includes: a flexible electro-optic display including two plane portions and a bendable portion, the bendable portions being flexible and capable of displaying images; two plane support members, each plane The support member includes a fixed area and an unfixed area, wherein the fixed area is connected to and supports one of the planar portions of the flexible electro-optic display, and wherein the unfixed area is not connected to the flexible electro-optical display. A display; and a bending mechanism including two individual rotation axes, the two rotation axes being parallel to a center line defined by the flexible electro-optic display, wherein each of the two axes is disposed to communicate with the The centerline is separated by a predetermined distance, and wherein each of the axes defines a pivot of a planar support member, wherein each pivot is adjacent a boundary between a fixed area and an unfixed area of the planar support member.     如請求項1之影像顯示裝置，其中，該可撓曲電光顯示器的一部分在該固定區域中結合至該平面支撐構件。     The image display device of claim 1, wherein a part of the flexible electro-optical display is bonded to the planar support member in the fixed area.     如請求項1之影像顯示裝置，其中，該可撓曲電光顯示器的一部分構造成倚靠一支撐構件自由地滑動。     The image display device of claim 1, wherein a part of the flexible electro-optical display is configured to slide freely against a support member.     如請求項1之影像顯示裝置，其中，該可撓曲電光顯示器包括一電泳介質。     The image display device of claim 1, wherein the flexible electro-optical display includes an electrophoretic medium.     如請求項4之影像顯示裝置，其中，該電泳介質係膠 囊化的。     The image display device according to claim 4, wherein the electrophoretic medium is encapsulated.     如請求項4之影像顯示裝置，其中，該電泳介質被分配在複數個微單元中。     The image display device according to claim 4, wherein the electrophoretic medium is allocated in a plurality of microcells.     如請求項1之影像顯示裝置，其中，該兩個個別旋轉軸中之每一者包括一連接至每個軸的一端之旋轉齒輪，以及該彎曲機構進一步包括一用於該等旋轉齒輪的同步旋轉之旋轉同步器。     The image display device of claim 1, wherein each of the two individual rotating shafts includes a rotating gear connected to one end of each shaft, and the bending mechanism further includes a synchronization for the rotating gears. Rotating Rotary Synchronizer.     如請求項7之影像顯示裝置，其中，該旋轉同步器包括兩個個別同步齒輪，其中，該等同步齒輪中之每一者與另一同步齒輪及連接至一軸的該等旋轉齒輪中之一者嚙合。     The image display device of claim 7, wherein the rotary synchronizer includes two individual synchronous gears, wherein each of the synchronous gears is one of another synchronous gear and the rotary gears connected to a shaft Whose engagement.     如請求項1之影像顯示裝置，其中，該彎曲機構進一步包括一超過由該兩個平面支撐構件的未固定區域繞著其各自的軸旋轉所掃過的體積之空容積。     The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the bending mechanism further includes an empty volume exceeding a volume swept by the unfixed regions of the two planar support members around their respective axes.     如請求項1之影像顯示裝置，其中，該等平面支撐構件係大致矩形的。     The image display device of claim 1, wherein the planar support members are substantially rectangular.     如請求項10之影像顯示裝置，其中，「l」係該等軸之間的距離，「R」係用於操作該可撓曲電光顯示器的可彎曲部分之最小曲率半徑臨界值，並且「l」與「R」的關係為l>2*R。     For example, the image display device of claim 10, wherein "l" is the distance between the axes, "R" is the threshold minimum radius of curvature for operating the flexible portion of the flexible electro-optic display, and "l" The relationship between "" and "R" is l> 2 * R.     如請求項10之影像顯示裝置，其中，「l」係該等軸之間的距離，「a」係從一軸至一固定區域的最近邊緣之距離，「R」係用於操作該可撓曲電光顯示器的最小曲率半徑臨界值，並且「l」、「a」及「R」的關係為2a+l>π*R。     For example, the image display device of claim 10, wherein "l" is the distance between the axes, "a" is the distance from an axis to the nearest edge of a fixed area, and "R" is used to operate the flexible The threshold value of the minimum radius of curvature of the electro-optic display, and the relationship between "l", "a", and "R" is 2a + l> π * R.     如請求項12之影像顯示裝置，其中，2*a>l。     The video display device of claim 12, wherein 2 * a> l.     如請求項1之影像顯示裝置，其進一步包括一輔助支撐結構，該輔助支撐結構構造成防止該可彎曲區域的向後撓曲。     The image display device of claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary support structure configured to prevent backward bending of the bendable region.     如請求項1之影像顯示裝置，其中，該可撓曲電光顯示器包括一具有像素陣列之可撓曲背板。     The image display device of claim 1, wherein the flexible electro-optical display includes a flexible back plate having a pixel array.     如請求項15之影像顯示裝置，其中，該可撓曲背板在整個該背板上每2.5公分的線性距離包含至少100個像素。     The image display device of claim 15, wherein the flexible backplane includes at least 100 pixels per linear distance of 2.5 cm across the entire backplane.     如請求項1之影像顯示裝置，其進一步包括一數位化層，該數位化層允許追蹤一觸控筆的位置且在該裝置上實現「書寫」。     For example, the image display device of claim 1, further comprising a digitizing layer, which allows tracking the position of a stylus and implementing "writing" on the device.     如請求項1之影像顯示裝置，其進一步包括一觸控感測器，該觸控感測器構造成偵測一觸摸該顯示裝置的物件之存在。     For example, the image display device of claim 1 further includes a touch sensor configured to detect the presence of an object touching the display device.     如請求項18之影像顯示裝置，其中，該觸控感測器構造成根據該兩個平面部分相對於彼此的角位移使一觸摸與在該影像顯示裝置上的一不同位置相關聯。     The image display device of claim 18, wherein the touch sensor is configured to associate a touch with a different position on the image display device according to an angular displacement of the two planar portions with respect to each other.     如請求項18之影像顯示裝置，其中，該觸控感測器包括兩個個別偵測器，並且每個個別偵測器感測不同波長的光。     For example, the image display device of claim 18, wherein the touch sensor includes two individual detectors, and each individual detector senses light of a different wavelength.     一種影像顯示裝置，其包括：一可撓曲電光顯示器，其包含兩個平面部分及一可彎曲部分，該可彎曲部分係可撓曲的且能夠顯示影像； 一第一平面支撐構件，其包括一固定區域及一未固定區域，其中，該固定區域連接至且支撐該可撓曲電光顯示器的一第一平面部分，並且其中，該未固定區域未連接至該可撓曲電光顯示器；一第二平面支撐構件，其未固定至且支撐該可撓曲電光顯示器的一第二平面部分；以及一彎曲機構，其包括兩個個別旋轉軸，該兩個旋轉軸平行於由該可撓曲電光顯示器所界定的中心線，其中，該兩個軸中之每一者設置成與該中心線分開有一預定距離，並且其中，該等軸中之每一者界定一平面支撐構件的樞軸，其中，每個樞軸鄰近該平面支撐構件的固定區域與未固定區域之間的邊界。     An image display device includes: a flexible electro-optic display including two flat portions and a bendable portion, the bendable portion being flexible and capable of displaying an image; a first flat support member including: A fixed area and an unfixed area, wherein the fixed area is connected to and supports a first planar portion of the flexible electro-optical display, and wherein the unfixed area is not connected to the flexible electro-optic display; a first A two-plane support member that is not fixed to and supports a second plane portion of the flexible electro-optical display; and a bending mechanism that includes two individual rotation axes that are parallel to the flexible electro-optic device A centerline defined by the display, wherein each of the two axes is disposed at a predetermined distance from the centerline, and wherein each of the axes defines a pivot of a planar support member, wherein Each pivot is adjacent to a boundary between a fixed area and an unfixed area of the planar support member.    
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